In a comprehensive new political report In a study presented to the House Finance Committee on Thursday, analysts say “piecemeal” funding and various deficiencies in the local water system must be addressed to keep New Mexico’s aging water infrastructure in good shape.

This comes as the state and tribal communities report future water and wastewater infrastructure needs of approximately $5.7 billion.

The report’s findings sparked heated debate among lawmakers on the committee, including Rep. Art De La Cruz (D-Albuquerque).

“This report is enlightening but also frightening,” he said. “There is no more basic human need than to consume water.”

The largest source of funding for the state’s water infrastructure is the infusion of cash provided by the legislature, but the issue is further complicated by how that money is distributed.

Clayton Lobaugh, LFC program consultant who oversaw the investigation, said lawmakers allocate capital spending funds through a political process.

“Funding is not allocated fairly or systematically to projects based on their maturity or community needs,” he said.

To fix this problem, Lobaugh’s team recommended that lawmakers allocate money primarily through the Water Trust Board, Colonias Infrastructure Fund, Tribal Infrastructure Fundand various government revolving funds to deploy resources where they are most needed.

With snow cover and runoff is expected to decline significantly over the next 50 yearswhich leads to a further strain on surface and groundwater supplies, drinking water suppliers play a crucial role in water management.

The report identified glaring problems with their operational readiness.

Firstly, 40% of the 80 systems analyzed were which should be self-sustaining companiesran at a deficit. This means that they use other grants, cash and other sources of income to cover their costs. Analysts pointed to the State capital expenditure system as a contribution to artificially low interest rates.

The report also found that utility operators are delaying repairs, failing to conduct audits, and failing to make long-term plans for maintaining their infrastructure – all problems that are exacerbated by new federal guidelines to prevent water pollution.

The outdated infrastructure has led to some systems lose 40-70% of their treated drinking water due to breakages and leaks.

The report suggests that utilities should set their rates to cover their operating costs, and if they are unable to do so, they should explore options under the state Regional Water Resilience Act To establish associations that can jointly search for financing opportunities.

This type of consolidation is called “regionalization” and could strengthen the workforce and significantly improve the drinking water system. for people in certain communities.

Committee co-chair Rep. Nathan Small (D-Las Cruces) expressed interest in putting together a funding package that incorporates the report’s recommendations.

“We have the tools to really take us a big step forward,” Small said. “But if we don’t get a lot of these processes in order, we’re going to end up in the same situation again.”

Earlier this year, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham released a 50-year plan Outline New Mexico’s water problems and suggest possible policy solutions.

In January, water infrastructure is expected to be a top priority for the governor, whose term is ending, in her final 60-day legislative session.