In the late 1980s and early 1990s, residents of the Estancia Basin became increasingly concerned about declining water levels and their perception that water quality was deteriorating in the Basin. In late 1993 Torrance County established the Estancia Basin Water Planning Committee (EBWPC), which was composed of citizens representing major stakeholders in the Basin to address water resource related concerns. Since that time, the EBWPC has remained dedicated to coordinated water resource planning for the Estancia Underground Water Basin. Members represent the county governments as well as the region's Soil and Water Conservation Districts, the agricultural sector, utilities, and area residents.