Construction of Phase 1 of the Pojoaque Basin Regional Water System has passed the halfway mark, with Santa Fe County encouraging eligible residents to consider connecting to the system at this stage. The county will provide more information about the project and other updates during a District 1 Town Hall scheduled for Wednesday, February 4, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the El Rancho Senior Center in Santa Fe.
The water system is designed to deliver reliable and safe drinking water to both Pueblo and non-Pueblo customers included in the Aamodt Settlement Agreement. Service areas include corridors along NM-502, NM-503, US-285 from Pojoaque to Tesuque, and Bishop’s Lodge Road. Once operational, it will supply up to 2,500 acre-feet of water per year and can be expanded if needed.
The Bureau of Reclamation leads the project’s design, construction, and budget management. Construction is planned in three phases; Phase 2 is expected to be completed by 2029. This initiative represents one of Northern New Mexico’s largest infrastructure projects.
A primary benefit for property owners who connect now is access to a dependable drinking water source. The new treatment facility will process water from the Rio Grande before distributing it through over 150 miles of planned pipelines. The final locations for these lines depend on how many residents choose to opt in 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. Phase 3’s design depends on landowner participation; those who wait until after its start may face full connection costs estimated between $8,000 and $12,000 or could miss out entirely if designs are finalized.
Additional benefits include installation of fire hydrants along waterlines for improved fire protection. Residents opting in also influence whether lines pass through their neighborhoods.
This project supports Santa Fe County’s Climate Action Plan by reducing reliance on underground aquifers.
To participate, residents must complete a Well Election Acceptance Form available on the county website and file it with the U.S. District Court. The form offers four options: fully connect and retire an existing well; connect for indoor use while keeping a well for outdoor use; not connect at all; or connect upon property transfer. Filing protects landowners 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.
Santa Fe County encourages community engagement through public meetings such as this town hall event (official website). The county provides essential services across incorporated municipalities, pueblos, and unincorporated areas (official website), operating under a Board of County Commissioners with administrative oversight by a County Manager (official website). Services include public safety, health programs, human services, public works projects like this one, and community development initiatives (official website). These efforts are part of ongoing work toward transparent governance and resource stewardship aimed at improving quality of life throughout Santa Fe County (official website).
For further details about current construction or access to documents related to this project visit the county’s public works page.
