NMED News:
SANTA FE — The New Mexico Environment Department and the Office of the State Engineer are offering millions of dollars in funding opportunities to those looking to develop brackish water projects in New Mexico as part of the Strategic Water Supply Program.
Counties, municipalities, political subdivisions, state agencies, and state institutions of higher education, are all eligible to submit grant proposals for innovative projects focused on exploring, producing, or treating brackish water in the state. Proposals may include constructing brackish water treatment facilities, researching effective recovery methods, and implementing cutting-edge treatment technologies.
“Access to new water supplies is essential for our communities and future,” Environment Secretary James Kenney said. “The Strategic Water Supply initiative will not only safeguard our water resources but also support the nation’s transition to renewable energy and advanced manufacturing — providing alternatives to water-intensive processes that deplete our precious freshwater supplies.”
“During these times of drought, it is more important than ever to be thinking about new water sources,” State Engineer Elizabeth Anderson said. “By working collaboratively with local communities, Tribes and other state agencies on the strategic water supply program, we can develop strategies that will help communities respond to drought for years to come.”
To be considered for funding, projects must:
- Explore, produce, or treat brackish water
- Enhance the state’s freshwater resources
- Aligns with local, state, or tribal economic development goals
- Comply with water quality and other permitting requirements
The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED), in collaboration with the Office of the State Engineer and the Strategic Water Supply funding review team, will review proposals and post the results on the website.
Deadlines:
- Strategic Water Supply Grant: Apply by Sept. 8, 2025. Go to our website for application instructions: env.nm.gov/strategic-water-supply/strategic-water-supply-grant
- Strategic Water Supply Contract: Request for Proposal closes Sept. 25, 2025: Visit env.nm.gov/strategic-water-supply/strategic-water-supply-contracts for application instructions and env.nm.gov/requests-for-proposals for more information on requirements.
For more information on how to apply, visit NMED’s website at env.nm.gov/strategic-water-supply where links are posted to both the grant application form and the portal to submit a response to the Request for Proposals.
For questions regarding the SWS Program, email StrategicWater@env.nm.gov or contact Catherine Conran at 505.470.7443.