Urban development in the United States has led to many positive consequences. This urbanization includes reduced poverty and inequality and increased opportunities for employment for individuals throughout the nation. However, while urbanization has undeniably brought about positive change, it has also inevitably produced harmful effects. These bleak impacts are evident in New Mexico, where the state is experiencing a partial water shortage. 

Coupled with its arid climate and landscape, urbanization in New Mexico has catalyzed the wearing out of the land in the state. As the state with the lowest water-to-land ratio, water scarcity has become a significant concern for New Mexico. As of August 2024, nearly half of New Mexico was declared abnormally dry. Additionally, earlier this year, New Mexico reported that by the time the 2024 graduate class reaches retirement age, New Mexico will have a quarter less water available in the state. And this is considering their already dry communities, farms, and wilderness. 

The implications of this issue extend far into the lives of the citizens of New Mexico, compromising their quality of life. For example, in Las Vegas, New Mexico, thousands of residents have been rationing their water supply for multiple weeks due to inadequate access to clean and usable water. Unfortunately, this scenario is not unique to the state since many other residents are doing the same. Additionally, the World Wildlife Foundation has reported that when water levels run low, people do not have ample supplies of water to drink, wash clothes, or water crops. The latter highlights how New Mexico, which has one of the country’s leading agricultural sectors, could suffer economically.

In response to this issue, the state government of New Mexico crafted the 50-Year Water Action Plan. This plan essentially aims to hinder the growing problem of water scarcity and other emerging threats to the resources in the state by providing communities with access to clean water. New Mexico hopes to amplify water availability by expanding water conservation efforts. Hopefully, through this initiative and others alike, New Mexico will be able to combat this issue and fully overcome it shortly. 

Works Cited

admin@sks.com. (2024, January 30). Governor announces 50-year water action plan, setting path for water conservation, innovation  – Office of the Governor – Michelle Lujan Grisham. Office of the Governor – Michelle Lujan Grisham. https://www.governor.state.nm.us/2024/01/30/governor-announces-50-year-water-action-plan-setting-path-for-water-conservation-innovation/#:~:text=Taking%20into%20consideration%20vital%20input

NM-Tracking – Drought. (2024, July 1). Nmtracking.doh.nm.gov. https://nmtracking.doh.nm.gov/environment/climate/Drought.html

Shortell, D. (2024, June 14). Mexico City is running out of water—are these cities next? Environment. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/major-cities-mexico-water-day-zero#:~:text=Drought%2C%20urban%20development%2C%20and%20poor

Siegler, K. (2024, July 3). A New Mexico city faces drinking water crisis following torrential rains and mudslides. NPR. https://npr.org/2024/07/03/nx-s1-5026615/a-new-mexico-city-faces-drinking-water-crisis-following-torrential-rains-and-mudslides

The State of New Mexico. (2024, February 28). Water Security in New Mexico – Welcome to NewMexico.gov. Welcome to NewMexico.gov. https://nm.gov/water-security-in-new-mexico/

United Nations. (2020, February 21). Urbanization: Expanding opportunities, but deeper divides. Www.un.org. https://www.un.org/development/desa/en/news/social/urbanization-expanding-opportunities-but-deeper-divides.html#:~:text=When%20properly%20planned%20and%20managed

World Wildlife Fund. (2024). Water Scarcity. World Wildlife Fund. https://www.worldwildlife.org/threats/water-scarcity