Construction of the Pojoaque Basin Regional Water System has passed the halfway mark for Phase 1, according to Santa Fe County officials. Eligible residents are being encouraged to opt in now to secure a connection to the new water system.
A town hall meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, February 4, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the El Rancho Senior Center in Santa Fe. County representatives will provide updates on the project and answer questions from community members.
The regional water system aims to deliver reliable and safe drinking water to both Pueblo and non-Pueblo customers included in the Aamodt Settlement Agreement. The service area covers corridors along NM-502, NM-503, U.S. 285 from Pojoaque to Tesuque, and Bishop’s Lodge Road. Once operational, it will have an annual capacity of up to 2,500 acre-feet of water with potential for future expansion.
The Bureau of Reclamation leads the project’s design, construction, and budget management. Construction is divided into three phases; Phase 2 is expected to be completed by 2029. The project is considered one of Northern New Mexico’s largest infrastructure efforts.
Connecting properties now ensures access to a dependable water supply once the system becomes operational. Treated water sourced from the Rio Grande will be distributed through more than 150 miles of planned pipelines. The final placement of these lines depends on how many residents choose to participate at this stage.
“It’s important for the County to know who is interested in connecting to the system now, to be considered for the final design, and we can help you through that process,” said Santa Fe County Project Manager Scott Kaseman.
Santa Fe County will cover up to $10,000 in connection costs for eligible residents who opt in before Phase 3 begins. However, those who wait until after Phase 3 starts may face full connection costs estimated between $8,000 and $12,000 and could risk missing out if designs are finalized without their participation.
Additional fire hydrants will be installed along new pipelines as part of increased fire protection measures. Residents opting in can also influence whether these lines run through their neighborhoods.
The initiative supports Santa Fe County’s Climate Action Plan by reducing reliance on underground aquifers.
To participate, property owners must complete a Well Election Acceptance Form available on the county website and file it with the U.S. District Court. There are four options within this form: fully connect and retire an existing well; connect for indoor use while keeping a well active outdoors; decline connection; or defer connection until property transfer.
Filing this form provides legal protections under terms set by the Aamodt Settlement Agreement.
For assistance with forms or questions about opting in, contact Project Manager Scott Kaseman at 505-992-9887 or SKaseman@SantaFeCountyNM.gov.
