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New Mexico Water Science Center

Welcome to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) website for the New Mexico Water Science Center; this is your direct link to water-resource information. This site provides data and information on New Mexico's rivers and streams, groundwater, water quality, and many other water-related topics.

News

StreamStats regression equation updates for New Mexico

StreamStats regression equation updates for New Mexico

USGS Scientists Deploy to New Mexico Fire to Enhance Water Monitoring

USGS Scientists Deploy to New Mexico Fire to Enhance Water Monitoring

Studies Reveal Presence and Distribution of PFAS in New Mexico's Water Resources

Studies Reveal Presence and Distribution of PFAS in New Mexico's Water Resources

Publications

Morphometric and geological characterization with statistical correlations for 33 tributary drainage basins of the San Juan River watershed in the Four Corners region, USA Morphometric and geological characterization with statistical correlations for 33 tributary drainage basins of the San Juan River watershed in the Four Corners region, USA

Basin morphometry, climate and geology control how a hydrological network evolves over time, controlling the efficiency of weathering of elements from geological materials, and ultimately the input of sediment and dissolved constituents to river systems. Exceedances to the Navajo Nation surface water quality standards for trace metals have been reported in the San Juan River watershed...
Authors
K. Miltenberger, Zachary Shephard, Rachel Lynn Mixon, Johanna Blake, Shaleene Chavarria, Douglas Yager

Emerging investigator series: Post-wildfire sediment geochemical characterization reveals manganese reactivity and a potential link to water quality impairment in the Gallinas Creek watershed, New Mexico Emerging investigator series: Post-wildfire sediment geochemical characterization reveals manganese reactivity and a potential link to water quality impairment in the Gallinas Creek watershed, New Mexico

Water quality post-wildfire is often impaired by increased turbidity and elevated concentrations of elements such as manganese (Mn) and iron (Fe). Precipitation events exacerbate these issues, due in part to increased erosion and transport of sediment from hillslopes to surface water. Both Mn and Fe are major redox-active elements in sediments that drive a variety of biogeochemical...
Authors
Elizabeth Tomaszewski, Sheila Murphy, Johanna Blake, Michelle Hornberger, Gregory Clark

Sources of water and salts for the Zuni Salt Lake in west-central New Mexico Sources of water and salts for the Zuni Salt Lake in west-central New Mexico

The Zuni Salt Lake is located in a maar in west-central New Mexico and contains hypersaline water that has long been used by Native Americans for religious purposes and the collection of salt. There have been several investigations suggesting different sources for the water and salt to the lake. Springs, seeps, and ephemeral streamflow have all been observed to contribute freshwater to...
Authors
Andrew Robertson, Jeff Pepin, Erin Gray, Jake W. Collison, Jeb E. Brown, Andre Ritchie, Grady Ball

Science

Saturated thickness mapping of the Southern High Plains Aquifer in Eastern New Mexico

The overall objective of this study is to assist Cannon AFB in understanding and interpreting current and local hydrological conditions by developing an estimate of saturated thickness of the aquifer underlying Cannon AFB and surrounding areas. The Southern High Plains aquifer is the principal source of water for Cannon AFB, the nearby towns of Clovis and Portales, and the local agriculture. The...
Saturated thickness mapping of the Southern High Plains Aquifer in Eastern New Mexico

Saturated thickness mapping of the Southern High Plains Aquifer in Eastern New Mexico

The overall objective of this study is to assist Cannon AFB in understanding and interpreting current and local hydrological conditions by developing an estimate of saturated thickness of the aquifer underlying Cannon AFB and surrounding areas. The Southern High Plains aquifer is the principal source of water for Cannon AFB, the nearby towns of Clovis and Portales, and the local agriculture. The...
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Decoding Harmful Algal Blooms: Unraveling the Mystery

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are a significant environmental concern due to their potential effects on health, ecosystems, and economies. Algal toxins, which are toxic compounds produced by certain species of cyanobacteria and algae, are commonly linked to these blooms. It's important to note that algal toxins can still be present even when a bloom is not visible, highlighting the need for ongoing...
Decoding Harmful Algal Blooms: Unraveling the Mystery

Decoding Harmful Algal Blooms: Unraveling the Mystery

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are a significant environmental concern due to their potential effects on health, ecosystems, and economies. Algal toxins, which are toxic compounds produced by certain species of cyanobacteria and algae, are commonly linked to these blooms. It's important to note that algal toxins can still be present even when a bloom is not visible, highlighting the need for ongoing...
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A National Predictive Model for PFAS Occurrence in Groundwater

A National Predictive Model for PFAS Occurrence in Groundwater

In October of 2024, USGS Scientist’s published a study where they created a model to predict PFAS occurrence in groundwater at the depths of drinking water supplies. This model can help guide our partners to sample areas where PFAS in drinking water could be an issue for the public.
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