WaterTAP – A New Tool For Public Water System Managers
Mar / 2026
Managing a public water system, you are balancing immediate needs like repairs and operations with bigger questions about reliability. Finding the right guidance and funding can be time-consuming, especially when information is spread across multiple programs and resources.
The New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission (NMISC) has launched WaterTAP, a free, web-based planning tool to help water systems managers across the state find funding, fix vulnerabilities, and plan for a more reliable water future.
A guided path from questions to next steps
WaterTAP is designed for real-world water work. It brings trusted information into a clear workflow so water system managers can move from “what are our biggest risks?” to “what should we do next?”
Using information specific to each public water system, WaterTAP provides a guided “choose-your-own-path” experience to help:
- identify projects, programs and policies that improve reliability
- evaluate and prioritize options based on what fits their system and goals
- advocate for and get started on their projects to improve resiliency
The tool connects to public water system information to tailor suggested options to each system’s characteristics and needs, and organizes trusted information into a clear workflow that supports decision-making and next steps. To start, you can find your specific system, or you can explore a generic pathway to understand options before diving into system-level details.
“WaterTAP helps New Mexico communities move from uncertainty to action,” said Interstate Stream Commission Director Hannah Riseley-White. “It’s a practical, public-facing tool that puts useful planning support directly in the hands of the water professionals who keep communities running, so they can better navigate today’s challenges and plan for a more secure water future.”
Don’t know where to start? Sara Fox, Senior Water Planner at NMISC, has a few suggestions in her tutorial video linked below.
Supporting regional planning and local decision-making
WaterTAP helps compare and prioritize choices with practical details like estimated time ranges, cost ranges, implementation steps, and links to relevant financial and technical assistance.
The tool supports regional planning and local decision-making by packaging project ideas and next steps for boards, councils, and partners. You can adjust selections, reorder what matters most, and add details to reflect local conditions. Everything exports into a presentation-ready PDF report.