Resolution 2024-038, A Resolution Updating the Purpose and Activities of the Water Policy Advisory Committee and Repealing and Replacing Resolution No. 2019-95
The Water Policy Advisory Committee (WPAC) is a working committee that augments Santa Fe County staff resources by bringing independent expertise, research, and effort to its assigned work.
The WPAC's primary responsibility is to provide recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) concerning sustainable utility services, domestic water supply and conservation, wastewater management and reclamation, irrigation, drought management, flood prevention and control, and water reuse in the County and region.
The WPAC consists of 19 volunteer members appointed by the Board of County Commissioners. Members must reside within the exterior boundaries of the County. Membership includes, where practicable:
- A member of a water system (e.g., mutual domestic water consumers' association, water cooperative, rural water system, or water district)
- A member of an agricultural organization (e.g., soil and water conservation district)
- A member of an acequia association
- A member from the Estancia Planning Area
- A member from the Galisteo Planning Area
- A member from the Central Water Planning Area
- A member from the Northern Planning Area
- A member from the Buckman Direct Diversion Board, recommended by that board
- One member per Pueblo, recommended by the following Pueblos:
- Cochiti Pueblo
- Name Pueblo
- Pojoaque Pueblo
- Santa Clara Pueblo
- Santo Domingo Pueblo
- San Felipe Pueblo
- San Ildefonso Pueblo
- Tesuque Pueblo
- A member of the City of Santa Fe Water Conservation Committee, recommended by that committee
- The remaining membership will be chosen by the Board of County Commissioners from their respective districts
WPAC tasks include the following:
- Make recommendations on water issues to the BCC
- Assist the County in addressing proposed aquifer storage and recharge activities and projects
- Explore the concept of a regional water authority
- Make recommendations on drought management
- Recommend updates to the County's ordinances, policies, and plans related to water issues
WPAC Meeting Information
The Water Policy Advisory Committee holds regularly scheduled meetings on the second Thursday of each month at 4:00 p.m. via Webex and in person in the Palace Conference Room located on the first floor of the County Administration Complex, 100 Catron St., Santa Fe, NM 87501. For a complete list of meeting materials, view the information below or visit the County's Calendar of Events.
WPAC Staff Liaisons
Paul Choman
Utilities Division Director
505-992-9872
pchoman@santafecountynm.gov
Sara Smith
Operations Manager
505-992-1635
ssmith@santafecountynm.gov