About the EBWPCPhoto - Robin in Bath

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, residents of the Estancia Basin became increasingly concerned about declining water levels and their perception that water quality was deteriorating in the Basin. The basin - a hydrologically closed groundwater resource within pipeline distance of at least two of the state's major municipalities - was experiencing a general decline in water levels in wells throughout nearly its entire extent. With substantial agricultural water use in place, and projections of significant expansion in residential, commercial, and industrial use, it became clear that a coordinated effort toward regional groundwater management studies was needed.

In late 1993 the Estancia Basin Water Planning Committee (EBWPC) was formed to address the unique issues faced by the citizens of the Estancia Basin. The group, which was composed of citizens representing major stakeholders in the Basin to address water resource related concerns, found itself faced with a complex range of challenges. In response, the EBWPC undertook the creation of the Estancia Basin Regional Recommended Water Plan, the first of its kind in New Mexico, in 1995.

Since that time, the EBWPC has remained dedicated to coordinated water resource planning for the Estancia Underground Water Basin. Members represent the county governments as well as the region's Soil and Water Conservation Districts, the agricultural sector, utilities, and area residents. There are currently thirteen member positions of the EBWPC, of which some may be vacant at any given time.