Resolution 2024-038, A Resolution Updating the Purpose and Activities of the Water Policy Advisory Committee and Repealing and Replacing Resolution No. 2019-95
The Water Policy Advisory Committee (WPAC) is a working committee that augments Santa Fe County staff resources by bringing independent expertise, research, and effort to its assigned work.
The WPAC's primary responsibility is to provide recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) concerning sustainable utility services, domestic water supply and conservation, wastewater management and reclamation, irrigation, drought management, flood prevention and control, and water reuse in the County and region.
WPAC Members
The WPAC may consist of 19 volunteer members appointed by the Board of County Commissioners. Members must reside within the county's exterior boundaries.
The Board of County Commissioners appointed the following members to serve on the WPAC for a three-year term from May 15, 2024, through May 15, 2027.
Amy Jordan
Central Planning Area
Darrin Muenzberg
Central Planning Area, Member of a Water System, Member of an Agricultural Organization
Emily Wolf
Central Planning Area
James Mike Henry
Estancia Planning Area, Member of an Acequia Association
Jeff Montoya
Pueblo of Pojoaque
John Kadlecek
Northern Planning Area, Member of a Water System, Member of an Acequia Association
Laird Graeser
Galisteo Planning Area
Peter Gowen
Central Planning Area
Shann Stringer
Central Planning Area, Member of an Agricultural Organization
Stephen Schmelling
Central Planning Area, City of Santa Fe Water Conservation Committee
Camilla Bustamante
Board of County Commissioners
The WPAC does not currently have representation from the Buckman Direct Diversion Board or the Pueblos of Cochiti, Nambe, Santa Clara, Santo Domingo, San Felipe, San Ildefonso, or Tesuque.
WPAC tasks include the following:
- Adopt and use the Results-Based Accountability Framework for addressing water issues in the County and develop Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound (SMART) objectives for all its work
- Develop a work plan to ensure adequate water quality and quantity for a seven-generations ahead water plan for the County
- Analyze and make recommendations concerning wastewater, including, but not limited to, County wastewater service options for rural and non-densely populated areas of the County, such as distributed wastewater treatment
- Make recommendations on water issues to the BCC
- Provide recommendations for new, and updates to existing policies, ordinances, and plans related to subject matters within its scope of responsibility, including, but not limited to:
- Drought management and aquifer recharge
- Incentivization of large- and small-scale water collection and pollutant reduction activities, such as rain gardens and water catchment systems
- Provision of water and resources for abnormal events, such as flooding, water contamination, or other unplanned water loss.
WPAC Meeting Information
The Water Policy Advisory Committee holds regularly scheduled meetings on the second Thursday of each month at 4:00 p.m. in the Plaza Conference Room located on the second floor of the County Administration Complex, 240 Grant Ave., Santa Fe, NM 87501. For a complete list of meeting materials, view the information below or visit the County's Calendar of Events.
WPAC Staff Liaison
Andrew Harnden
Senior Planner
505-995-9516
aharnden@santafecountynm.gov