New Mexico American Water Board of Directors Agree on Regional Conservation Plan for Clovis

CLOVIS, N.M., Jan. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- New Mexico American Water's Board of Directors issued a proclamation last month, approving a comprehensive conservation plan for customers in Clovis.

The proclamation comes as water levels in the Ogallala Aquifer, which is the only source of supply for Clovis residents, continue to decline. As a result, New Mexico American Water has seen a 10 percent average annual decline in its well pumping capacity compelling the company to increase the number of its wells to 59 to produce the same amount of water it did just ten years ago with 29 wells.

"We have seen a drastic decline in water levels in the Ogallala Aquifer and recognized that we were headed down an unsustainable path unless immediate action was taken," said New Mexico American Water Board Member David Lansford. "That is why I am pleased to see the Board of Directors committed to addressing this serious problem so that future generations can continue to prosper in our region."

The plan, called the Clovis Service Area Water Plan, calls for a five percent per capita reduction in water consumption over the next five years. To help meet this goal, New Mexico American Water outlined in the plan its ongoing efforts to reduce consumption through its educational outreach programs to customers, use of water efficient appliances and water efficient incentives like landscape water conservation rebates.

"We have a lot of work to do in order to secure our water future," New Mexico American Water General Manager Kathy Wright said. "But together with the citizens of Clovis we can take serious steps to make our water supply more sustainable."

New Mexico American Water currently offers rebates to customers for water efficient toilets and clothes washers. Residential customers are also eligible for rebates to convert turf lawns to water efficient landscaping. More information about these programs can be found on the website at www.newmexicoamwater.com, by stopping by the local office at 1005 Norris Street, or by calling 1866 430-0824.

New Mexico American Water is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and related services to more than 48,000 people.

Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest investor-owned U.S. water and wastewater utility company. With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs more than 7,000 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to approximately 15 million people in 32 states and Ontario, Canada. More information can be found by visiting www.amwater.com.

SOURCE New Mexico American Water