As water conservation becomes an increasingly urgent priority in the face of climate unpredictability, the City of Santa Fe is once again leading the way with its signature event, the Next Generation Water Summit, returning for its eighth year on June 5-6, 2025 at the New Mexico State Capitol, known as the Roundhouse.
The summit, a collaborative effort by local and national water efficiency leaders, will center around the theme “Increasing Resilience in an Unpredictable Climate.” This year’s event promises a robust agenda of speakers, panel discussions, and community workshops designed to address water conservation challenges both locally and across the Southwest.
In a recent episode of Save Water Santa Fe on KSWV Radio, Christine Chavez, City of Santa Fe’s Water Conservation Manager, and Mike Collignon, co-founder of the summit and Executive Director of the Green Builder Coalition, joined the program to preview what attendees can expect.
“This event has grown every year, and this year is no exception,” said Chavez. “It’s an opportunity not only to hear from national leaders but also to learn how our community can implement these practices at home.”
A Dynamic Agenda and Keynote Speaker
Among this year’s highlights, Collignon announced that Marianne Dickinson, a founding figure of the Alliance for Water Efficiency, will deliver the keynote address on Friday, June 6. “You can’t talk about water efficiency without thinking of Marianne,” Collignon remarked. “Her presentation will come from the heart and promises to inspire everyone who attends.”
The two-day event will feature multiple educational tracks, including concurrent sessions on Thursday and three separate tracks on Friday. Topics will range from transitioning water conservation programs from voluntary to mandatory, to the real-world choices builders face when navigating sustainability regulations—fight them, flee the market, or embrace change and “build it right.”
Community-Driven and Free to Santa Fe Residents
The summit is designed to be accessible to all. Thanks to city sponsorship, all City and County residents can register to attend virtually free of charge at NextGenerationWaterSummit.com. For those attending in person, an early bird rate of $199 is available until May 5, which includes two breakfasts and two lunches during the summit.
“The Roundhouse is such a beautiful and iconic place to host this event,” added Collignon. “Beyond the speakers and panels, just being in that space and engaging with the community is special.”
Hands-On Community Tours to Cap the Summit
The weeklong celebration of water conservation will culminate in Community Tours and Workshops on Saturday, June 7, offering residents an opportunity to put the summit’s lessons into practice. Chavez outlined three key workshops planned:
- Demonstration Garden at 801 W. San Mateo – A new water-wise garden project led by the City’s Water Division staff, including local conservation expert Bob Wood, who has harvested seeds and designed the garden over the past two years.
- Drip Irrigation Workshop at Firebird – A hands-on session focused on the installation, repair, and maintenance of drip irrigation systems.
- Urban Tree Planting Workshop – In collaboration with the City’s Municipal Tree Board, this workshop will guide residents on selecting, planting, and caring for trees to enhance Santa Fe’s urban forest.
“These tours really bridge the gap between the professional conversations of the summit and practical, everyday actions our residents can take,” Chavez explained.
A National Model for Water Conservation
The Next Generation Water Summit has established itself as a premier event, not only for local residents but also for professionals and policymakers nationwide. Collignon emphasized Santa Fe’s leadership, noting that the city is seen as a trailblazer in water conservation practices.
“You may not realize it living here, but Santa Fe is setting the standard when it comes to water efficiency,” he said.
The City of Santa Fe Water Conservation Program and its partners encourage everyone to participate, whether virtually or in person, and to take advantage of the resources and expertise offered through this important summit.
For more information and to register, visit NextGenerationWaterSummit or SaveWaterSantaFe.com.
Christine Chavez, City of Santa Fe Water Conservation Manager, and special guest Mike Collignon, Founder of the Next Generation Water Summit, shed light on the eighth annual Next Generation Water Summit in Santa Fe. Discover the diverse topics covered, from keynote presentations by industry leaders to interactive sessions on water scarcity and efficiency. Learn how this event not only connects professionals but also empowers the community through informative tours and workshops. Don't miss this chance to understand the innovative efforts driving water conservation forward.
