We, the undersigned, demand the immediate establishment of a conservation pool at Elephant Butte Dam to ensure long-term ecological balance, economic sustainability, public safety, and the vitality of our community in Elephant Butte, New Mexico, and surrounding areas.

 

 

 

The Crisis at Hand

Elephant Butte Reservoir, a cornerstone of southern New Mexico's economy, environment, and identity, is at a critically low level of 3.8% capacity. This drastic decline threatens the well-being of our communities, businesses, and ecosystems. The reservoir, formed by the Elephant Butte Dam completed in 1916, supports agriculture, recreation, hydroelectric power, and flood control while serving as a vital water source for New Mexico, Texas, and Mexico under the Rio Grande Compact.

 

 

 

Who Is Being Impacted?

Farmers and Agricultural Workers: Over 178,000 acres of farmland depend on this reservoir for irrigation, supporting crops like pecans, cotton, green onions, and alfalfa. Farmers are watching their livelihoods disappear as water levels plummet, with Doña Ana County's nationally leading agriculture production under direct threat.

Local Business Owners: Restaurant owners, hotel operators, marina staff, and retail businesses in Sierra County, New Mexico are experiencing devastating economic losses as tourism declines and agricultural activity diminishes.

Families and Residents: Thousands of families living in and around Sierra county, New Mexico face increased wildfire risks as exposed dry vegetation becomes a tinderbox. Their homes, communities, and way of life are under threat.

 

 

Recreational Users and Tourists: Fishing enthusiasts, boaters, campers, and visitors who have relied on Elephant Butte Lake for generations are losing access to their beloved recreational destination.

 

 

 

 

Utility Customers: Residents across the region face higher electricity costs as the dam's 28 MW hydroelectric power plant operates at reduced capacity, forcing reliance on more expensive energy sources.

Wildlife and Ecosystems: Fish populations, migratory birds, and countless species dependent on the Rio Grande ecosystem are suffering as their habitats collapse.

What Is at Stake?

If we act now to establish a conservation pool:

• Agricultural production will be stabilized, protecting 178,000 acres of farmland and preserving New Mexico's position as a national leader in agriculture production

 

 

 

 

• Local businesses will have the foundation they need to recover and thrive through sustained tourism and agricultural activity
• Communities will be protected from increased wildfire risks and have access to reliable water supplies
• The structural integrity of this National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark will be preserved for future generations
• Clean, affordable hydroelectric power will continue benefiting ratepayers across the region
• Recreational opportunities will be maintained, supporting a multi-million dollar tourism industry

 

 

 

 

• Ecological balance will be restored, protecting wildlife and maintaining biodiversity

If we fail to act now:

• Thousands of farming jobs will be permanently lost, devastating rural communities and threatening national food security
• Local businesses will continue closing, creating an economic death spiral in Sierra County, New Mexico
• Wildfire risks will escalate, potentially destroying additional homes and infrastructure

 

 

 

 

• The historic dam itself may suffer structural damage, requiring costly repairs or replacement
• Energy costs will rise as hydroelectric generation becomes impossible
• An entire recreational economy built over more than a century will collapse
• Irreversible environmental damage will occur as ecosystems are permanently altered
• Our community's identity and cultural heritage will be lost forever

Why Now Is the Time to Act

Climate Reality Demands Immediate Action: Climate change is driving hotter, drier conditions across New Mexico, with earlier springs and increasingly unpredictable weather patterns. Each day of delay makes recovery more difficult and expensive.

Critical Threshold Alert: At just 3.8% capacity—dangerously close to the 3% level reached in 2013—we are approaching a point of no return. Once the reservoir drops below operational levels, the costs and complexity of restoration multiply exponentially.

Economic Tipping Point: Local businesses are already closing and families are leaving the area. The longer we wait, the fewer community members will remain to benefit from conservation efforts.

Infrastructure Vulnerability: The dam's structural integrity becomes more compromised with each month of abnormally low water levels. Preventive action now costs far less than emergency repairs later.

 

 

 

 

Legislative Momentum: Sierra County's Resolution 2025-26 provides the political foundation needed for immediate action, but this window of opportunity won't remain open indefinitely.

Compact Obligations: The Rio Grande Compact requires us to maintain water deliveries to Texas and Mexico. A conservation pool is essential to meeting these legal obligations while protecting our own communities.

Our Demand

We call on the Bureau of Reclamation, in collaboration with the New Mexico State Engineer, the Governor of New Mexico, and federal and state legislators, to implement a conservation pool at Elephant Butte Reservoir immediately. This sustained water level will prevent the reservoir from falling below a critical threshold, protecting public safety, agriculture, the environment, recreation, businesses, dam integrity, and affordable energy while fulfilling obligations under the Rio Grande Compact.

The time for studies and delays has passed. Our communities, economy, and environment cannot wait any longer. We demand action now to establish a conservation pool that will secure our future and honor our past.