Surface Water Quality Bureau

The Surface Water Quality Bureau, governed by the New Mexico Environment Department, is responsible for surface water quality. The bureau s monitoring and assessment section oversees the continual collection and integration of water quality data for various lakes and streams in New Mexico. It reviews federally issued permits for municipal wastewater treatment plants, electrical generating stations, fish hatcheries and mines. The Surface Water Quality Bureau s Utility Operator Certification Program administers water and wastewater operators at public water and wastewater utilities. In addition, the bureau assists in processing applications for certification and renewal purposes. It takes measures to reduce pollutants from entering surface and ground water resources.