Rep. Stansbury Secures Federal Funding for Albuquerque Water Security Project

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury (NM-01) delivered $512,320 in federal funding for the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority's Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) Project, to advance a major long-term investment in water security and drought resilience for central New Mexico.

The funding, awarded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), was secured through Rep. Stansbury's Community Project Funding request in the Fiscal Year 2024 Consolidated Appropriations Act. The investment will support the design and construction of infrastructure needed to store surface water in the Albuquerque aquifer. The project will allow the Water Utility Authority to move stored water from Abiquiu Reservoir to underground storage in Albuquerque, where it can be recovered when needed to support the region's long-term water supply.

"Water is life, and protecting New Mexico's water future requires bold investments in resilient infrastructure," said Rep. Stansbury. "This funding will help the Water Utility Authority advance an innovative aquifer storage and recovery project that strengthens drought preparedness, protects groundwater resources, and ensures families across Albuquerque have reliable access to clean water for generations to come."

The Aquifer Storage and Recovery Project is a cornerstone of the Water Utility Authority's 100-year water management strategy and is designed to improve the region's ability to store water during wet years for use during times of drought or shortage.

About the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority

The Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority provides drinking water, wastewater, and reclaimed water services to more than 700,000 customers throughout the greater Albuquerque metropolitan area.

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