New Mexico Gov. Lujan signs stricter water fees, water projects into law

New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed bills from the 2026 legislative session raising fines for water theft, and authorizing loans for water projects.

By: Danielle Prokop

Outlets: Source New Mexico

Published: March 6, 2026

Words: 379

Last Updated: 4 days, 4 hours ago

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Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham recently signed into law two bills related to water, including an update of the state’s fees for water violations — the first in 120 years — and approved just over $522 million loans for projects in 75 water systems across New Mexico.

House Bill 111 increases the maximum penalty for water code violations to $3,400 per day, up from the $100 per day penalty that was adopted in 1907. Additionally, …

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