Archbishop John Wester urged New Mexicans to protect water, warning the Rio Grande looks more like the “Rio Nada” as drought strains the Southwest.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Archbishop John Wester urged New Mexicans to protect water, warning the Rio Grande looks more like the “Rio Nada” as drought strains the Southwest.

Wester gathered local leaders at Tingley Beach to release a new letter titled “Uniting for Our Sacred Waters.”

“Here in Albuquerque the Rio Grande looks more like the Rio Nada. There is no doubt we are in a drought here in the Southwest, but even worse we are experiencing a drought in how we care for the precious God given gift of water,” said Wester.

In the letter, Wester highlights global concerns including more wildfires, drought in the Southwest and limited access to safe drinking water.

Local environmental advocates and leaders joined Wester to discuss water policy and the role of acequias in protecting New Mexico’s water.

“We can speak out for equity and justice in our water policy so that all communities have access to water not just those with more economic wealth. We can speak out to protect water for restorative and regenerative agriculture, so we can healthy local and equitable food systems,” said Paula Garcia, executive director of the New Mexico Acequia Association.

With the letter, Wester says he hopes to inspire a renewed appreciation for the gift of water.