Which agency establishes water quality standards in New Mexico?

The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) is responsible for establishing water quality standards in the state. This agency is tasked with implementing and enforcing various environmental regulations, including those related to water quality. The NMED develops specific standards to protect the quality of the water resources in New Mexico, which are vital for the health of the community and the ecosystem.

NMED works closely with federal guidelines, including those set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), but it is the state department that determines and enforces the specific standards for water quality at the local level. Their role encompasses monitoring water bodies, regulating pollution, and ensuring compliance with both state and federal laws, thus safeguarding public health and the environmental integrity of water supplies in New Mexico.