Water problems in New Mexico (Hope: apartment, income, living in)

[Devin Bent]

Originally Posted by cgoconnor

I'm considering a move to the Albuquerque area (from Fairfield Cty, CT) because as I'm getting closer to retirement, I want to save money. Which are the better (nicer) areas around Albuquerque? Are there an abundance of condos with amenities like pools, tennis courts? Where do I go to find them? I will also need to find a job - I'm a senior director of client services with loads of experience in publishing, PR, marketing for myriad publications and event groups. I am well-educated with an MBA in Communications & Marketing so would like to find something suitable. I'd like to live close to the Rio Grande but don't know the name of the burbs nearby. Would appreciate any information, help I can get! I will generously reciprocate, given the opportunity. Many, many thanks.
-CG

Maybe you should post on the ABQ sub-forum?

[rbmomof3]

Ok I read a few pages of this but can't get through all of it... so I hope I'm not repeating what anyone says. If I am, please forgive me.

We too are looking into possibly moving to New Mexico next year after May. Does anyone know how many gallons it takes to take a decent bath? I dont. What about washing hands and brushing teeth? Are these things affected by you guys in New Mexico? I mean, do you take a shower instead usually and limit it to a short one? I'm just curious because I remember water restrictions in Valencia, California when I lived there and it wasn't affecting our daily living in that sense, but it did affect our lawns and not being able to garden. I was thinking as long as I can still take a shower and bath like I want to, I can always save that water from the tub for the garden or animals. I know it would be a pain but if it means me having a garden or some chickens and other animals I want, then so be it.

Rebecca

[Devin Bent]

Originally Posted by rbmomof3

Ok I read a few pages of this but can't get through all of it... so I hope I'm not repeating what anyone says. If I am, please forgive me.

We too are looking into possibly moving to New Mexico next year after May. Does anyone know how many gallons it takes to take a decent bath? I dont. What about washing hands and brushing teeth? Are these things affected by you guys in New Mexico? I mean, do you take a shower instead usually and limit it to a short one? I'm just curious because I remember water restrictions in Valencia, California when I lived there and it wasn't affecting our daily living in that sense, but it did affect our lawns and not being able to garden. I was thinking as long as I can still take a shower and bath like I want to, I can always save that water from the tub for the garden or animals. I know it would be a pain but if it means me having a garden or some chickens and other animals I want, then so be it.

Rebecca

It is not simple. But
1) if you have a well with a decent flow you can take all the baths you want and have some vegetables and chickens.
2) if you are on a communal system, then it depends and in some drought year you might have to cut back.
3) usually the choice between 1 or 2 depends on the house you buy -- it most likely has one or the other already.
4) if you have even the least water rights you can have your chickens and vegetable. You'll usually want some other water source (well or municipal system) for your bath.

I hope that helps.

[rbmomof3]

Ya it helps thanks. Another question then.. do most houses IN town have a well or communal? We're looking to be on an acre or two probably so it won't be directly in town next to other houses most likely.

[tripleplay54]

Originally Posted by wildmaven

My husband and I are interested in relocating to New Mexico, yet we've been hearing some disturbing rumors that most of the larger cities are encountering major water shortages. Is this true? If so, what are the cities doing to prevent future problems?

Thanks, in advance.

Well, we do live in the desert! We have had some voluntary water restrictions in the last few years, but no rationing yet. We water our yards on certain days, but not during the hotter times of the day. The city is utilizing the Chama water project that is designed to help our water supply for many years to come. I would not worry about it too much, I forsee us having water for years to come.
Good luck with your search, I think you will be fine.

[Vinegaroon]

We don't have any major water shortages, but we do have restrictions. You just have to move here realizing it is desert. For comparison Albuquerque gets about 9.47 inches of precipitation annually, Phoenix 8.29", Santa Fe 15", Los Angeles 13.15", Chicago 36.27".

[scarra1040]

Let me inform everyone here that NM does NOT have the lowest cancer rate. They are counting those who have been diagnosed (the ones with health insurance). They dont count those who keep going to the doctor for stomach pain or Headaches or malaise that is unrelieved only find out later (in death) that they had cancer. Many have gone purposefully undiagnosed because of the lack of health care and the high cost of recieving treatment. Southeast NM is one of those unfortunate. I call home only to find out someone died of cancer. No longer is it a heart attack or stroke...its CANCER! Does anyone know anyone HONEST who will check the area for contaminants? Everyone is dying of cancer in SENM!

[songinthewind7]

I wouldn't think it was the water or the shortage of it that would cause cancer.

[Minathebrat]

This has been a really fascinating post! I never would have thought that you wouldn't have the right to collect the rainwater on your own property! I definitely appreciate the info, lots to think about when considering to buy property.

[oliver11]

Is water the biggest problem w/NM? With the current unsteadiness of the economy, I am considering moving to Albuqure sp. Possibly buying a loft in the city. Currently I live outside of DC in MD in a McManson which I want to sell asap. Can you tell me about the city, I currently am married and my mother-in-law will be moving with us if the plan works out plus I own 3 inter realated busineses in the solid fuel industry, which I may have to sell along with a property that houses all 3 businesses. Also, I am planning a look around trip out there.