A statewide initiative to map and understand groundwater resources
The New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources (a Division of New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology) is launching a major new effort to better understand the state’s groundwater resources using airborne electromagnetic (AEM) surveys. AEM is a non-invasive geophysical method that uses low-flying aircraft equipped with specialized instruments that send weak electromagnetic signals into the ground. By measuring how the subsurface responds, scientists can map variations in geology, aquifer structure, and groundwater quality down to 600 to 1500 ft (~200 to 450 m) below the land surface.
AEM is widely used in the U.S. and around the world. AEM surveys allow the state to map aquifers across large regions quickly and consistently. It is especially valuable in New Mexico where well coverage is highly variable, and water resources are scarce. AEM data can be used to improve water models that are essential for compact compliance and local water management. Data from AEM surveys can also be used to guide the locations of long-term groundwater monitoring wells, which will be an essential component for protecting water resources for decades to come.
Why AEM matters for New Mexico
Many basins in New Mexico have limited well data, making it difficult to map aquifer boundaries, depth to bedrock, groundwater salinity, and pathways of groundwater flow. AEM fills these data gaps with high-resolution subsurface coverage. Improved subsurface maps lead to better groundwater models that can be used to support decisions related to water supply planning, stream–aquifer interactions, considerations for managed aquifer recharge projects, and rural and tribal water security.
AEM brings important new information to rural, remote, and tribal communities that have historically lacked sufficient water-well and monitoring infrastructure. For many regions, these surveys can provide the first comprehensive picture of their respective aquifers. AEM measures the electromagnetic properties of the subsurface and does not capture photos, imagery, or personal data.
FY2026 AEM Survey Regions
Supported by a New Mexico state appropriation for 1 year, the Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources began acquiring AEM data in late 2025 across five regions.
Mimbres
The Mimbres Basin spans over 3,000 square miles of Luna and Grant Counties, where groundwater quality ranges from fresh in the north to highly brackish in the south. AEM survey flights began in November 2025. Results will help define fresh and brackish water resources and improve our understanding of basin structure and groundwater recharge.
Estancia
The Estancia Basin, which encompasses parts of Bernalillo, Torrance, and Santa Fe Counties, faces declining freshwater availability. AEM will be used to refine aquifer structure and will complement ongoing studies in the region.
Middle Rio Grande Region
AEM surveys in Socorro County, from Elephant Butte to Socorro, will address one of the least understood stretches of the Middle Rio Grande. Data will support groundwater modeling, water operations, and Rio Grande Compact delivery strategies.
Lower Rio Grande Region
AEM surveys of the Lower Rio Grande Basin, from Truth or Consequences to the southern border, will strengthen subsurface framework models in one of New Mexico’s most water-stressed regions. AEM will support refinement of geologic frameworks, salinity mapping, and conjunctive groundwater-surface water management, including transbasin water planning.
Gila-Animas Valley Region
AEM surveys in Hidalgo County will support groundwater planning, aquifer characterization, and geothermal resource evaluation in the southwestern corner of the state.
Common Questions about AEM Surveys
How does AEM help with understanding groundwater in New Mexico?
More accurate maps of aquifers can refine and enhance groundwater models that are used for estimating stream–aquifer interaction, which is crucial for reducing uncertainty in Rio Grande Compact compliance challenges.
Why do we need this if we already have wells?
Many basins lack sufficient wells to accurately determine aquifer boundaries, depth, or salinity. Wells provide point data, whereas AEM provides more continuous, basin-wide coverage.
Is AEM accurate?
Yes. AEM is widely used across the U.S. and internationally. Accuracy is high where AEM data is combined with well logs and geologic mapping.
Does AEM replace drilling?
No. AEM data provides especially useful guides for locating drill sites and will help agencies select the best locations for monitoring and production wells.
How does AEM support rural and tribal communities?
Rural and tribal areas commonly lack extensive well coverage. In these regions, AEM can provide the first comprehensive picture of aquifer conditions for planning and security.
Are AEM surveys being conducted to support new construction or development?
AEM data is not being collected for any specific new or planned construction. This program is intended to inform state and local decision-makers and citizens about our groundwater resources on a regional scale.
Are there privacy concerns?
No. AEM does not collect imagery or personal data. It only measures electromagnetic signals from the ground.
How soon can the data be available for use?
We expect initial, uninterpreted datasets to be available within several months, with full interpretations typically available after about 12-18 months.