Established in 1902, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation is best known for the dams, power plants and canals it constructed in the 17 western states. Today it is the largest wholesaler of water in the country, bringing water to more than 31 million people. Reclamation is also the second largest producer of hydroelectric power in the western United States.
Reclamation took the lead in promoting water conservation outreach projects in New Mexico by funding children’s water festivals in many communities including Albuquerque, Santa Fe and Rio Rancho. RiverXchange began in 2007 with funding received from the Upper Colorado Region’s Water Conservation Field Services Program.