Master Plan Background

Master planning provides a framework and schedule for implementing improvements and expansions of existing water and wastewater infrastructure to satisfy and serve projected service demands over a 40-year planning horizon.

The master plan provides a foundation towards understanding planning activities for existing water and wastewater systems as well as future plans for development. Pertinent information from existing studies will be considered towards the development of alternatives to achieve the planning objectives performed in Phase 2 of the Master Plan.

The master plan area is the geographic region in which master planning activities under this project are performed. It includes all of Valencia County, including areas currently served with water and wastewater systems, areas served by individual water and wastewater systems, and locations within Valencia County where future development is projected to occur over the 40-year planning horizon.

Valencia County’s current boundaries were established in 1981 and comprise 1,458 square miles. Valencia County was established by the Republic of Mexico in 1852 and it extended to the border with Arizona. Several boundary changes over the next century and a half were finalized when Cibola County was established, thus forming the current, western limit of Valencia County.

Environmental Setting
Agricultural History
Valencia County Growth