The Food Security-Water Connection & Drought Impacts

Water security means food security

Drought impacts food production and local economy.

The Food-Water Connection

The Santa Fe Farmers' Market remains one of the best farmers' markets in the country. But what would it look like without water? Even in a "good year" for precipitation, our farmers have challenges with regard to water rights and access. A worldwide pandemic coupled with severe drought further complicates their food production efforts.

Being mindful of our urban water use and conserving helps to ensure that farmers will get the water they need to grow food. Whether it's a small-scale organic farm in the Española Valley or the large scale chile farms in Hatch, we covet our locally and regionally grown food.

With more time spent at home this year, many people grew gardens. It's a wonderful activity, but city residents are encouraged to consider what they're growing, as some veggies require far more water than others.

If you need help deciding on what to grow to save water, contact the Santa Fe Master Gardeners for advice - they are a great resource and very helpful. You can also take advantage of our rebates (see link below).

We can all do our part to stretch every drop to help our farmers continue to grow and deliver healthy food to our farmers' market.

U.S. Drought Monitor

The U.S. Drought Monitor has helped track drought across the U.S. since its inception and has helped inform policy decisions and relief packages.
NM Drought Status

Drought Management

Saving water is always in season in Santa Fe, in wet times and dry. Some restrictions on water use are always in place. To find out more about year-round requirements, click here.

City water managers constantly monitor for drought conditions and keep up-to-date on snowpack, reservoir levels and weather conditions. Drought or no drought, water conservation and drought awareness are cornerstones of the City’s comprehensive water planning approach. Visit our Drought Management page to learn more about how we plan for and manage drought.

 

Listen to one of our recent Save Water Santa Fe podcasts with guest Jill Dixon, Director of Development at The Food Depot. She discusses the pandemic impact on our region's hunger relief needs and how drought impacts our local food production.

“Red, Green, or Christmas?”

Water makes this question possible. Can Santa Fe imagine life without chile? It’s an economic staple, a favorite food, and a source of cultural pride. Local food production and food security is driven by water availability. Value water.

Use Santa Fe's water wisely

Take Advantage of Our Rebates

Say goodbye to water waste and hello to money savings!

Earn $ with our water saving incentives to help you become as waterwise as you can be.
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