Why is water crucial to settlement patterns in New Mexico?

Water plays a pivotal role in determining where populations settle, especially in arid regions like New Mexico. The availability of water resources significantly influences human habitation and community development. In the context of New Mexico's historical and contemporary settlement patterns, access to water is essential for various aspects like agriculture, domestic use, industry, and sustaining wildlife, which can also impact human activity.

Given New Mexico's predominantly desert environment, areas with reliable water sources—such as rivers, lakes, aquifers, and even rainfall—become attractive sites for settlement. Communities often arise near these vital resources to ensure agricultural viability, support economic activities, and provide for basic human needs. Therefore, water not only shapes agricultural practices but is indeed the key factor that dictates where people choose to live, leading to the emergence and growth of towns, cities, and farms throughout New Mexico. This intrinsic link between water availability and settlement locations is a fundamental aspect of New Mexico's geographical and social history.