The Gila River in New Mexico is one of the last undammed rivers in the Southwest U.S., but it’s threatened by a large billion-dollar diversion that would further drain the river and destroy its habitat. In a few weeks, Governor Susana Martinez’s Interstate Steam Commission will make a decision about whether to allow this diversion to go forward, or instead to invest in alternatives that promote more sustainable water solutions for the future.

The Gila River also flows into the Colorado River – so what happens on the Gila in New Mexico impacts the Colorado River downstream, and sets a precedent for water management throughout the Southwest U.S.

Governor Martinez has an opportunity to be a leader and invest in innovative solutions rather than putting New Mexicans in debt with a huge diversion pricetag. Right now we need to reach out to Governor Martinez and ask her to stop the Gila River diversion in its tracks. We need to protect and restore the Gila River, not further deplete it.  In fact, this diversion is unnecessary – agencies that want the Gila River water can get water by other less damaging means including conservation, groundwater management, water recycling and watershed restoration.  

Let’s Save The Gila!