Pojoaque Basin Regional Water System: Connection Construction Begins, Deadline Approaching for El Rancho Residents

Residents in the El Rancho area of Santa Fe County have a limited time to connect to the Pojoaque Basin Regional Water System (PBRWS) as construction moves forward. Santa Fe County staff will be conducting door-to-door outreach on Friday, March 20, 2026, to provide information and assist residents with the connection process.

Project Overview

The PBRWS is a significant infrastructure project designed to deliver clean drinking water to approximately 10,000 people in the Pojoaque Valley, including residents of the Pueblos of Pojoaque, Nambé, San Ildefonso and Tesuque, and select areas of Santa Fe County . The system will have the capacity to deliver up to 2,500 acre-feet of water annually, with potential for future expansion .

Important Dates and Action Required for El Rancho Residents

Construction related to service connections is scheduled to begin on April 6, 2026, in the El Rancho area, specifically along County Roads 84, 84B, and Evergreen Lane. Residents who wish to connect to the system must opt-in before April 2, 2026, to take advantage of the County’s financial assistance.

Santa Fe County will cover up to $10,000 of the connection costs for eligible residents who opt-in before the deadline. Those who choose to connect after construction is completed will be responsible for the full cost of connection .

How to Connect

Residents interested in connecting to the PBRWS must complete the Acceptance/Well Election Form and file it with the United States District Court, following the instructions provided by the County. After filing, residents should notify Scott Kaseman, Santa Fe County Project Manager, so the contractor can prepare for service connection and meter pit installation.

• Contact: Scott Kaseman
• Phone: 505-992-9887
• Email: SKaseman@SantaFeCountyNM.gov

Service Connection Location

The County is working with landowners to determine the optimal location for service connections, typically near the well house, to ensure a direct route and avoid obstacles. Residents are encouraged to discuss potential locations with Scott Kaseman.

Project Background

The PBRWS is being constructed in partnership with the Bureau of Reclamation, the Office of the State Engineer, and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation . The system is part of the Aamodt Settlement Agreement and will serve customers along NM-502, NM-503, 285 from Pojoaque to Tesuque, and Bishop’s Lodge Road.

Further Information

For more information about the Pojoaque Basin Regional Water System, visit the Santa Fe County website: https://www.santafecountynm.gov/public-works/aamodt