Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
In my tenure as the state engineer of New Mexico, I grappled firsthand with the complexities of water management in a desert state. The Ute Reservoir has emerged as a focal point of controversy and misunderstanding, particularly with recent challenges to the construction of a vital pipeline — a project that is not just beneficial but essential for eastern New Mexico.
It’s imperative to dispel any misconceptions about the Ute Reservoir. Quay County and the village of Logan do not own the Ute Reservoir. The New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission (ISC) established the Ute Dam and Reservoir in 1962 and it remains under state control. This state ownership, including water rights and surrounding land, ensures the ISC effectively manages this critical resource.
The primary mission of the Ute Reservoir goes beyond its recreational use. It is fundamentally a source of potable water for the communities in Quay, Roosevelt, and Curry Counties. This role is increasingly vital given the declining state of the Ogallala aquifer, which has been the backbone of the regional water supply but is now severely depleted due to extensive agricultural demand. In light of this, the strategic importance of the Ute Reservoir cannot be overstated.
During my leadership, we focused on balancing environmental sustainability with human needs, a philosophy that underpins the current pipeline project spearheaded by the Eastern New Mexico Water Utility Authority. This project is a testament to proactive planning, funded and supported by federal, state, and local governments, to secure a reliable water supply in the face of escalating scarcity. This planning should instill confidence in the future water supply of eastern New Mexico.
The objections from Quay County elected and appointed officials about this pipeline project overlook the broader necessity. These local concerns, while understandable from a community standpoint, must be viewed through the lens of regional and state water security. As someone who has navigated these waters, I assure you the state’s approach has been anything but arbitrary. The comprehensive outreach and inclusive planning processes, such as the meticulous formation of the Ute Reservoir Advisory Group, underscore a commitment to transparency and community engagement.
Now more than ever, it is critical that we stand united in our efforts to secure water resources for eastern New Mexico communities. The pipeline from the Ute Reservoir is not merely a construction project; it is an essential lifeline that will ensure the longevity and sustainability of our water supplies.
I urge the residents and stakeholders of Quay County and Logan to support the ongoing efforts to enhance our water infrastructure. Recognizing the urgency of this project is vital. Our decisions today will determine the quality of life in eastern New Mexico for decades. Let us choose a path that secures and sustains, not succumbs to short-sighted opposition.
As a former state engineer, I have dedicated my career to judiciously managing our state’s water resources. The pipeline construction from the Ute Reservoir is crucial to addressing our challenges and safeguarding our water future. I stand with the ENMWUA and all who support this vital project. We can overcome today’s challenges and ensure a water-secure future for Eastern New Mexico.
John D’Antonio can be contacted at:
