[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 10 (Thursday, January 16, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E95-E96]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT AND WATER TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INITIATIVES IN 
                               NEW MEXICO

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 16, 2014

  Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, while other 
regions in the U.S. have recently encountered super storms and 
experienced catastrophic flooding, the southwest has continued to 
endure shortages in available water resources. Mounting pressures, 
created by persistent drought and a rapidly growing population, have 
put additional strains on the area's water resources. For states in 
this region, such as my home state of New Mexico, it is very clear that 
water is not a commodity to be taken for granted; instead it must be 
considered the most important natural resource, essential for the 
survival of the environment, households, businesses and quality of 
life.
  My fellow members of the New Mexico Congressional Delegation and 
Congressional colleagues in the Southwestern States share my commitment 
to help communities facing drought-like conditions; together we are 
developing ideas and support for legislation that would promote 
innovation in water efficiency research and promote job creation in 
water infrastructure and conservation.
  New Mexico has abundant brackish water resources, it is reported that 
the state has approximately 15.4 billion acre feet, which is

[[Page E96]]

enough to sustain a population of three million for 300 years. In its 
current state, brackish water is useless and undrinkable but once it is 
pumped up, desalinated, and put to use, it can be added incrementally 
to our dwindling supplies of lakes, rivers and streams.
  Our communities could greatly benefit from investments in 
desalinization technology, which would activate our brackish water 
resources and create a new water supply for our municipalities, 
businesses and industries. I have visited international communities 
with fewer available water resources at their discretion, but they have 
flourished by employing new technology to better manage their limited 
water resources. New Mexico should follow this example.
  In my discussions with water experts and researchers, they have 
identified areas where New Mexico can take immediate action to better 
manage our existing water resources. Investing in new irrigation 
methods can save about 40 percent of water being applied to the fields. 
Providing more funding and technical assistance for the rehabilitation 
of old water infrastructure can conserve water by eliminating leaks 
while also creating more jobs for New Mexicans.
  New Mexico can and should be the next innovation hub for water 
management technology. But in order to achieve this, we have to 
continue forming partnerships between the public, government, and the 
private sector. We also have to continue investing in water technology 
research initiatives that will show us how to better manage existing 
water resources and will allow us to unlock alternative new water 
resources.
  Mr. Speaker, I eagerly anticipate the input from my constituents and 
colleagues as we set a dynamic course that will demonstrate to the 
region, the country and the world that New Mexico can respond to 
adversity and become a leader in water resources management.

                          ____________________