What would be the likely consequence if both surface and ground water dried up in New Mexico?

The scenario of both surface and ground water drying up in New Mexico would result in significant water scarcity, which is crucial for maintaining agriculture, supporting communities, and sustaining local economies. With limited water resources, regions that rely heavily on agriculture would struggle to irrigate crops, leading to reduced food production and potentially driving farmers and their families to seek livelihoods elsewhere. This migration would not only affect agricultural areas but also strain urban centers as populations shift, exacerbating existing challenges in housing, jobs, and infrastructure.

While some may consider the possibility of lower property values due to declining demand for land in a water-scarce environment or speculate about the impact on tourism, the fundamental issue of water scarcity presents a more immediate and pressing consequence on human livelihoods and stability in the area. Consequently, the greatest impact would likely manifest as increased migration from regions most affected by the lack of water.