- Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham declares a drought emergency.
- Task force convened to address drought and fire risks.
- State experiencing lowest reservoir levels on record.
- Urgent call for municipal and county water restrictions.
- $400 million allocated for drought and wildfire mitigation.
Tuesday, June 3, 2025 — New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham issued an executive order 
on May 22, 2025, declaring a statewide drought emergency in response to persistent drought conditions and escalating fire dangers. The declaration mobilizes immediate and coordinated responses across state agencies. The state’s Drought Task Force held its first meeting on Wednesday, May 28.
“Despite some spring precipitation, almost all of New Mexico remains in conditions that threaten water supplies and elevate fire danger,” said Governor Lujan Grisham in a May 28 press release. “The State Forester has enacted fire restrictions for high-risk areas, but we can’t stop there. This executive order ensures that we act decisively to conserve water and lessen our exposure to wildfire risk.”
The New Mexico Drought Task Force, led by State Engineer Elizabeth Anderson, held its first meeting last week to coordinate mitigation efforts among over ten state agencies. These agencies are tasked with disseminating vital drought information, recommending short-term actions by July 31, and compiling emergency funding sources.
Current conditions underscore the urgency of the situation. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, 96.21 percent of New Mexico is classified as abnormally dry, with 86.55 percent experiencing drought conditions. Nearly half of the state is categorized under extreme to exceptional drought. New Mexico’s reservoirs are at historically low levels, leading to reduced water availability for communities and ecosystems.
State Engineer Anderson emphasized, “New Mexico’s river basins have seen below average precipitation this year, and our reservoir levels are among the lowest on record. These conditions clearly justify emergency action.”
In addition to water conservation, the executive order addresses severe fire threats. High temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds have amplified wildfire risks statewide. The State Forester has implemented stringent restrictions on smoking, fireworks, campfires, and open burning on non-federal and non-tribal lands.
State Forester Laura McCarthy noted, “Over the past two years, we’ve seen some of the worst wildfires in our state’s history. The continuing drought keeps that threat high. This executive order is a critical call to action for all New Mexicans to conserve water and reduce fire risks wherever possible.”
Local governments are strongly urged to enact legal measures such as water use restrictions and firework bans to mitigate drought and fire dangers effectively.
The New Mexico legislature allocated approximately $400 million during the 2025 session specifically aimed at water and natural resource issues, providing essential financial support for drought and wildfire mitigation efforts.
New Mexico’s drought emergency follows a similar declaration by the State of Utah for 17 counties on April 24. Utah’s emergency declaration has since expired, though water concerns remain, especially for the southern part of the state.
Give tax credits and tax ince, cost sharing for xeriscaping and tearing out lawns and sprinklers and for tearing out concrete to replace with permeable surfaces, ie. driveways and walks.
Police watering, especially gated communities and golf courses.