From Mountainair to Moriarty, Torrance County is renewing itself

New Mexico Business Journal, Feb, 1997 by Sue Bohannan Mann

Although the reserve looks promising, the area is poised for dramatic growth through the end of this century and beyond. From an estimated population of 23,354 in 1995, projections place the population for Estancia Valley at 25,623 in the year 2000 and at 42,630 in 2020. If current trends continue, the population could expand to well past the 70,000 mark by 2040, which will heavily impact water usage.

These increases will require an additional ground-water diversion of 2,669 acre-feet per year by 2000, 4,436 by 2020, and 7,316 by 2040. Roger Peery of John Shomaker says that if too much water is mined without allowing time for natural recharging, the surface land could sink and wreak havoc on roads and other surface areas.

Communities along Interstate 40 that lie within 50 miles of Albuquerque will continue to serve as bedroom communities for commuters. However, the job growth in outlying towns also will continue to rise. The East Mountain Area's population is projected to reach close to 30,000 by 2040. This. explosive growth will also create a demand for Estancia Basin ground water.