Established in 2006 to support and strengthen community water planning, training, and conservation efforts through public education programs for deepening ongoing community dialogues between community stakeholders, local government and regulatory agencies, tribes, local communities, water associations, farmers, climate science, education and research institutions, along with conservation bodies which comprise New Mexico's diverse populations and cultures for water use and sustainability. NNWI focuses on practical, essential, science based, culturally appropriate, best practices and innovation technologies for establishing working partnerships to ensure sustainable water planning, management, and stewardship for generations to come.

The New Mexico Water Initiative operates as a tax-exempt 501 c3 educational program under the fiscal sponsorship and auspices of the Hanuman Foundation.