The Bureau of Reclamation is leading the construction of the Pojoaque Basin Regional Water System in the Pojoaque area, with Santa Fe County coordinating with landowners about potential service connections, according to a May 29 announcement. Property owners adjacent to specific roadway segments are asked to contact Santa Fe County Project Manager Scott Kaseman before June 5 if they wish to have a service connection installed or have questions about their options.
Main waterline installation will occur soon along County Road 84 between County Road 101E and County Road 84D, County Road 101E, NM-502 between Elk Trail and Jacona Road, and NM-503 between Old Callejon Road and Don Bernardo Road. Residents who opt in before installation can receive up to $10,000 from Santa Fe County toward connection costs. Those who choose to connect after installation may be responsible for those costs themselves.
An informational public meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, June 10, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at the Pojoaque Valley Middle School Auditorium at 1797 NM-502. Staff from Santa Fe County, the Bureau of Reclamation, and the Office of the State Engineer will be present to answer questions and assist residents with necessary forms related to connecting their properties.
The new regional water system aims to provide reliable drinking water for Pueblo and non-Pueblo customers covered by the Aamodt Settlement Agreement in corridors including NM-502, NM-503, U.S. Highway 285 from Pojoaque to Tesuque, and Bishop’s Lodge Road. The system will deliver up to 2,500 acre-feet annually from the Rio Grande while reducing strain on local aquifers. Additional benefits include enhanced fire protection through hydrant installation at rural intervals and emergency water service capabilities linking with the Santa Fe Basin.
Residents can choose participation options using forms provided by U.S. District Court procedures related to the Aamodt Settlement Agreement. The latest option allows indoor use via system connection while retaining existing wells for outdoor use—a dual-source arrangement that may increase property value and potentially reduce homeowner insurance rates.
Santa Fe County promotes community engagement through public meetings such as this one and supports its operations across incorporated municipalities as well as pueblos and unincorporated areas throughout the region, according to the official website.
