Hispanic Heritage Month: Agua es Vida

New Mexico boasts a wealth of natural resources, and among these, none is more vital yet simultaneously limited than our water supply. Water has the remarkable ability to awaken the desert, attracting migratory birds and transforming landscapes into lush greenery whenever the Río Grande flows. It nourishes our crops, quenches the thirst of our communities, and opens doors to recreation, educational experiences, and a profound connection with nature. For those of us residing along the southern New Mexico border, water holds a profound place in our cultural heritage. During Hispanic Heritage Month we want to bring attention to the water crisis here to help our elected officials understand how important making water issues a priority is for our communities. 

Those of us who grew up in Southern New Mexico  remember when the Río’s waters once flowed year-round throughout the state; however, due to drought, a warming climate, and an increase in consumptive uses by extractive industries, the river remains dry for the majority of the year in Las Cruces - depriving the community of these integral experiences regularly and leaving the landscape asleep until water arrives. 

Water is a finite resource, and while the State has made small gains on tackling water issues, the crisis requires us to take more immediate action. New Mexico is enjoying a budget surplus and this should be a green-light to spur long-term planning to help our communities survive and thrive. Water issues affect every New Mexican, yet without making this a top priority, the long term effects will be costly and more devastating. We can work toward ensuring that our communities not only survive but thrive in the face of water challenges. 

To kick off Latino Conservation Week earlier this year, Nuesta Tierra cultivated community and celebrated the flowing waters of the Rio, partnering with New Mexico Wildlife Federation (NMWF) and Hispanics Enjoying Camping, Hunting, and the Outdoors (HECHO) for a community floating event down the Río Grande. We had dozens of community members from all over New Mexico, West Texas, and even from Colorado, travel down to Las Cruces to take advantage of our prized resource, create shared memories, eat good food, and practice the long tradition of enjoying our flowing River. 

Last week, we were proud to share a recap of this event with members of the state Water & Natural Resources Committee during their meeting in Las Cruces. We sought to give them a break from the technical issues and remind them about the people behind their decisions, in hopes that when the legislative session convenes in Santa Fe, they remember how communities like ours are especially impacted. 

When water arrives in Southern New Mexico, it provides a special opportunity for communities to enjoy the unique amenities and recreational possibilities that the flowing river brings only for those few short months the river runs. Families gather to celebrate life events and hold bonfires along the riverside, kids float the waters alongside their friends, and the city becomes green with vegetation fed by groundwater stemming from the Río.

 Agua es vida for the communities of Southern New Mexico and as water supplies continue to diminish in these ever changing growing seasons, it is essential that our water is preserved for all.