The Trump administration has ordered construction crews building the border wall to stop drilling new wells in New Mexico. The decision came after local ranchers warned that pumping groundwater for the project could threaten the water supply needed for their livestock.
The border barrier project spans four states and has received over $46 billion in federal funding. US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) stated that water is required for making concrete for roads and wall construction, as well as for dust suppression.
Ranchers warn of 'immediate catastrophe'
Cattle rancher Russell Johnson said the proposed water pumping 'would put us in an immediate catastrophe.' Johnson said he was forced to reduce his cattle herd to one-third of its original capacity due to ongoing drought conditions.
Johnson has approximately 12 wells across his ranch that pump between three and seven gallons of water per minute. Drilling crews informed him that an industrial well planned for his leased grazing land would pump 300 gallons of water per minute.
Tom Patterson, president of the New Mexico Cattle Growers' Association, stated that water is the primary concern for local ranchers. In response to the tensions, CBP stated it is 'committed to working collaboratively with local landowners' regarding water needs.
Permit disputes and political claims
The New Mexico Office of the State Engineer stated that all non-tribal wells 'must have permits' before drilling or pumping. Staff from the office visited two border wells in July and reported they were pumping 200 gallons per minute.
Reports on unpermitted drilling activity differ. One account states the State Engineer counted eight wells drilled without permission along the southern border, while another reports the office counted at least six wells under development without the necessary permits.
Following the order to halt drilling, Republican congressional candidate Greg Cunningham and Congressman Gabe Vasquez both issued statements regarding the moratorium on well drilling.
