New Mexico Water and Wastewater Engineering

Water, wastewater and site work in New Mexico

MES is a civil engineering firm licensed in New Mexico. We provide water and wastewater engineering, plus site civil plans for land development.

We work for developers, utilities, towns and other engineering firms. We also support projects through construction.

Most New Mexico projects turn on two questions. Where will the water come from? Where will the wastewater go? We answer both early, so the design fits the permits it will need.

How permitting and review work in New Mexico

The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) reviews most water and wastewater work in the state. Which office and which rule apply depends on the system.

• A new or changed public water system needs written NMED approval before it can serve drinking water. The NMED Drinking Water Bureau handles that review.
• Onsite wastewater systems that take 5,000 gallons a day or less fall under NMED's liquid waste rules.
• Larger discharges that can reach groundwater need a discharge permit from the NMED Ground Water Quality Bureau, unless the rules exempt them.
• Discharges to rivers and streams need an NPDES permit. EPA Region 6 still issues those in New Mexico, and the state is working to take the program over.
• Water rights and well permits go through the New Mexico Office of the State Engineer.
• A construction site that disturbs one acre or more needs coverage under EPA's Construction General Permit.

Cities and counties review the site plan, drainage and utility connections.

Work nearby

In Las Cruces, MES prepared the civil site plan set for a drive-up water kiosk and took it through city review. The set held a cover sheet, a site plan and a utility plan. Plan revisions added photometric and lighting details. The work was finished in May 2026.

A second kiosk site, in Hobbs, is under way.

Both are part of a drive-up water kiosk program MES works on in seven states. Across the state line in West Texas, MES has finished sites in Odessa and Fort Stockton and has one under way in El Paso.

Common questions

Who issues wastewater permits in New Mexico?

It depends on where the water goes. NMED handles onsite systems and discharges to groundwater. EPA Region 6 issues permits for discharges to surface water.

Do I need a water right for a new development?

If a city or water utility will serve the site, start with its service rules. If you plan a new well or water supply, the Office of the State Engineer is involved. For many county subdivisions, the county asks the State Engineer for an opinion on the water supply.

Is MES licensed in New Mexico?

Yes. MES is licensed in New Mexico and eight other states. Call (214) 833-6748 to talk about your site.