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SANTA FE, N.M., Sept. 17, 2026—Santa Fe County is launching its Domestic Well Use Metering Program that will take effect in early 2027. A public meeting with more information will be held at the Cerrillos Senior and Community Center on Tuesday Oct. 6, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., located at 16 Main Street in Cerrillos. Spanish translation will be available at the meeting. 

This is part of a County-led effort to better understand groundwater use across Santa Fe County and to enforce the Sustainable Land Development Code. The program requires any new developments using groundwater wells to participate in annual reporting of meter readings. Well owners will be registered into the program during the development permit review process. This will not affect the current development permit requirements.

Existing well owners are not required to participate in the program until they engage in development that requires a development permit according to the Sustainable Land Development Code. Once enrolled in the program, well owners will receive information about submission requirements, reminders, and water usage information. 

A new online reporting feature will make reporting easier. The revamped Meter Reading webpage features educational materials about the program, well maintenance, and other resources helpful for well owners. 

The program was first established in 2002 in response to severe drought and groundwater overuse—issues still affecting our community today. Implementing it has been a County priority listed as a strategic goal since at least 2019. This revised effort prioritizes community engagement and makes reporting easier for well owners. 

The County will host open house public meetings to share information and give residents the opportunity to ask questions and speak directly with the program administrator. 

Open House 

When: Tuesday  Oct. 6 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. 

Where: Los Cerrillos Senior & Community Center, 16 Main Street, Cerrillos, N.M. 87010 

In November, the program administrator will share information during the Cañada de Los Alamos Community Planning Meeting. Additional information will be available on the Meter Reading webpage once dates are finalized. 

For more information, contact the program administrator, Michael J. W. Carr, Santa Fe County Environmental Compliance Officer, at 505-995-9515, MCarr@SantaFeCountyNM.gov. 

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