Where does the majority of New Mexico's water supply come from?

The majority of New Mexico's water supply comes from groundwater, making it a critical resource for the state. This reliance on groundwater is primarily due to New Mexico's arid climate, where rainfall is limited and surface water sources are often scarce or variable. Groundwater, stored in aquifers, offers a more consistent and reliable water supply, especially for agricultural, municipal, and industrial uses.

While surface water does contribute to the overall supply, it is significantly less than groundwater due to high evaporation rates and inconsistent rainfall patterns. Desalination is not a significant source of water in New Mexico, as the state's infrastructure is not primarily aimed at converting seawater to freshwater, particularly since New Mexico is landlocked and far from ocean sources. Rainfall, though a natural part of the water cycle, does not provide enough volume to meet the state's intensive agricultural and urban needs compared to groundwater sources. Understanding this context highlights the importance of groundwater management policies and conservation efforts in New Mexico's ongoing water resources strategy.