The Energy required to pump water is significant. The energy source used for water pumping typically results in Greenhouse Gas emissions, depending upon the source of energy used

Warmer temperatures mean less snow, and thus less snow melt, to provide water supplies evenly throughout the summer. Our mountain snowpacks are New Mexico’s biggest “reservoirs.”

Global warming is expected to result in more frequent and severe droughts in the southwest. It is also expected to result in greater evaporation from lakes, reservoirs, soils and plants; less runoff and more soil drought for a given amount of precipitation; smaller mountain snowpacks; earlier snowmelt; and reduced groundwater recharge. The graphic below shows that the snowline (the level at which snow falls) will go higher into the mountains, reducing the amount of snowpack available to recharge our reservoirs.

The City of Santa Fe has made significant efforts to reduce water use through the replacement of water-hogging toilets, appliances, and landscape with lower consumptive models have resulted in a significant reduction of household water consumption. City water conservation programs have resulted in a drop from 137 gallons per person per day to 103 gallons over a seven-year period.

This City’s Water Conservation Office is responsible for implementing other water conservation measures including citizen outreach and education. This office is guided by the City’s Water Conservation Committee who recommend policy and evaluate specific programs related to water conservation. Current water conservation programs include: