Clovis outlines Ute Water Project and conservation efforts for municipal use

The Clovis Water Policy Advisory Committee meeting on April 14, 2025, focused on critical updates regarding the city's water supply and conservation efforts. The meeting highlighted the role of EPCOR, the city's water utility provider, which operates under a franchise agreement and is regulated by the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (PRC).

A significant point of discussion was the funding mechanism for the Ute Water Project, which is essential for ensuring a sustainable water supply for Clovis. The city relies on a quarter percent gross receipts tax to meet its financial obligations, as EPCOR cannot impose additional charges to cover the required 10% match for project funding. The water from the Ute Project will be designated strictly for municipal and industrial use, with no provisions for agricultural irrigation.

The committee emphasized the importance of community engagement, encouraging residents to attend monthly water authority meetings for updates on the project's progress. Currently, multiple contractors are actively working on different phases of the Ute Water Project, with regular reports provided to the board. Jacobs Engineering also offers comprehensive updates on the project's status.

Additionally, the meeting underscored the urgency of addressing groundwater depletion. Officials stressed the need for conservation measures, including the reuse of wastewater and the introduction of surface water from the Ute Reservoir to supplement the dwindling groundwater supply.

In line with these efforts, April was designated as Water Conservation Month, with reminders for residents to take advantage of conservation rebates. These rebates include incentives for replacing high-flow toilets with low-flow models and adopting xeriscaping practices to reduce water usage.

Overall, the meeting reinforced the city's commitment to sustainable water management and the importance of community involvement in these initiatives.