Water Sampling at the Rio Grande
What Does Amigos Bravos Do?
We have a vision of New Mexico’s rivers and streams running so clear and clean that
you can bend a knee to the water, cup your hands, and drink without fear.
you can bend a knee to the water, cup your hands, and drink without fear.
Restoring Watershed Health
Protect and Restore the Waters of New Mexico. Formed in 1988, Amigos Bravos is a statewide water conservation organization guided by social justice principles and dedicated to preserving and restoring the ecological and cultural integrity of New Mexico’s water and the communities that depend on it. Read more>Holding Polluters Accountable
Under the Clean Water Act, there are several categories (or levels) of protection available for surface waters (rivers and lakes). The highest level of protection comes from a designation as an Outstanding National Resource Water (ONRW). ONRW status means that no activity is permissable if it will result in lower water quality than already exists in the affected water. Read more>Building a Water Movement
We are entering a critical period for New Mexico’s waters. A long-term drought is likely being exacerbated by global warming. The aquifers that urban areas along the Río Grande used for drinking water are being drawn down at an alarming rate, so cities are turning to the already over-allocated river for drinking water. Read more>TAKE ACTION!
TAKE ACTION!
- Help us rally a public outcry by calling on EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler to reject Trump’s reckless plan and protect our drinking water. Stand strong for clean water protections today!
Rio Fernando de Taos Collaborative
- Help us rally a public outcry by calling on EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler to reject Trump’s reckless plan and protect our drinking water. Stand strong for clean water protections today!
Rio Fernando Watershed Based Plan and Revitalization Efforts
- Amigos Bravos is engaged in two linked efforts to restore the Rio Fernando de Taos, the river that flows through the center of the Taos Community. Through a Watershed Based Planning effort Amigos Bravos is working on restoration opportunities to address E. coli contamination in the watershed. Read more>
Join the “River-lution” Take a Stand for Clean Water
Help us defend the sacred waters that provide clean drinking water for people and wildlife, and the water we love for recreation and inspiration.
Roll your sleeves up!
Your time is one of the most valuable things you can contribute.
Learn More and Volunteer
Testimonials
Read more about our volunteers and donors.
Beata Tsosie-PeñaTewa Women Unite
“Amigos Bravos is an organization that is genuine in nurturing the relations with local communities to do impactful organizing and collaborative work to protect New Mexico’s waters. Tewa Women United is grateful for their ongoing support, advocacy and technical expertise and we look forward to continuing vital work with them in the future as partners in the Communities for Clean Water Coalition.”
Judy TorresTaos Valley Acequia Association
“Amigos Bravos was such a great resource when the Rio Fernando acequias upgraded their main headgate, helping facilitate the process with a design that would benefit all users of the Rio Fernando stream. Amigos Bravos also helped Acequia commissioners understand the importance of a healthy stream system.”
Andrew FahlundSenior Program Officer
“The Water Foundation is proud to support Amigos Bravos for their deep understanding of water policy and management, their generous and collaborative engagement with partners, and their tenacious and indomitable spirit to protect the natural treasures of New Mexico.”
Janice VarelaSan Miguel County Commissioner and Pecos Watershed Resident
“I've been working with Amigos Bravos most recently on the proposed Tererro Mine exploratory project near my home village of Pecos. We work together as part of a larger coalition to protect the Pecos River from pollution and degradation. We're also working together to pursue Outstanding National Resource Water (ONRW) protection for the Pecos. Amigos Bravos are experts in river protection and have the science and networks to support their work.”
Stacy Quinn & Wes PattersonMajor Donors
“I felt from the time Amigos Bravos started that it was important to have clean rivers and intelligent use of water in New Mexico. They are the organization that will fight for this part of our environment. Water is life. This detail is spiritually and physically without precedence.”
Wes Patterson - In Memoriam
September 16, 1947 — July 11, 2020
“A True Amigo”
Jim LuddenVolunteer
“I volunteer with Amigos Bravos because it gets me outdoors and because I’m a scientist and like to help with investigations. I know that clean water is critical to our survival on this planet. Sampling gets me to new parts of the area.”
