NM governor makes statewide drought declaration

Susana Martinez

CBS News - There's no question it's dry in New Mexico. Many argue that's an understatement, including Gov. Susana Martinez. The governor on Tuesday issued a drought declaration covering all of New Mexico, confirming what farmers, ranchers and municipal water utility managers already know. "Fire danger is high, water reservoirs run low and in some cases, we've seen towns like Las Vegas take dramatic steps to reduce basic water consumption in their residents' homes and businesses," Martinez said in a statement. Much of the state suffered from drought last year, with back-to-back dry winters sandwiching a windy spring and a summer in which monsoons never materialized. This year, maps by federal forecasters show all off New Mexico is experiencing some form of drought, from abnormally dry to the worse case of exceptional. New Mexico is not alone. Neighboring Arizona and even eastern states such as Massachusetts, Delaware and Connecticut are among a growing group of states that have had their entire landscapes enveloped by drought. From declarations to water conservation measures, states are looking for ways to respond to the dry conditions marching across the U.S. this year. Read More News New Mexico

NM governor makes statewide drought declaration