Water Administration Department
The Water Administration Office is charged with the responsibility of securing a legal quantification of the Taos Pueblo’s water rights in the New Mexico v. Abeyta water rights case through a negotiated settlement. On Oct. 7, 2016 the WAO secured the fulfillment of this responsibility with the publication of a formal notice in the Federal Register that the Settlement was final, binding and enforceable.
The issuance of the notice, ahead of the projected March 31, 2017 date, put the Water Administration Office on a path that requires a reorganization of the Water Administration Office that will enable the Pueblo to effectively implement the Settlement and also to work towards a transition of staff that will be charged with continuing the implementation of the Settlement in accordance with the Settlement Agreement and Settlement Act into the future.
The transition to Settlement implementation from Settlement negotiations does not mean there is less work; in fact, implementing the Settlement means the more extensive and intensive work begins, according to those involved and knowledgeable about water settlements.
Vision Statement
“The present and future generations of Taos Pueblo tribal members shall have abundant water resources in the future to sustain their way of life and to develop their homeland for the well–being of all its members”
Staff Members
Daniel V Suazo, Wad Director
Vacant, Administrative Assistant II
Brendan Brady, Water Resources Engineer
Shuldan Lujan, Water Resources Monitor
Darold Lujan, Water Resources Monitor
James Montoya, Ditch Crew Foreman
