Village of Cuba Announces State Grant Award for KNeW Zero-Waste Water Desalination Project
Cuba, NM, December 18, 2025 – The Village of Cuba today announced the award of a state grant supporting construction of a zero-waste water desalination pilot facility in partnership with The KNeW Company, following a public statement released by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham recognizing the project’s importance to New Mexico’s water future.
The grant will support development of a KNeW ion-exchange water treatment facility in Cuba, designed to convert brackish groundwater into potable water while producing no waste stream. The project represents a major step toward long-term water security for the Village of Cuba and serves as a model for sustainable water solutions in arid regions across the state.
“This grant reflects a strong partnership between the State of New Mexico, the Village of Cuba, and The KNeW Company,” said Cuba Mayor, Denny Herrera. “Cuba has faced water challenges for decades. This project allows us to take advantage of local water resources in a responsible way while securing a reliable supply of drinking water for our residents and supporting future economic growth.”
The KNeW technology has been proven internationally and independently validated by leading engineering firms. Unlike conventional desalination methods such as reverse osmosis, the KNeW process achieves near-complete water recovery with zero brine waste, making it both environmentally responsible and cost-effective for rural communities.
“This project demonstrates what is possible when innovation, community leadership, and state investment come together,” said Aubrey Howard, CEO of The KNeW Company. “Cuba is helping lead the way in showing how proven technology can deliver real, local water solutions—solutions that are sustainable, scalable, and designed to meet the needs of communities across New Mexico.”
The facility will treat brackish groundwater from the region, creating a new potable water supply for municipal use, agriculture, and future development, while reducing pressure on existing freshwater sources. The project also advances the State’s broader goals under the Strategic Water Supply Act by demonstrating how non-traditional water sources can be safely and effectively developed.
Village officials emphasized that the project is not experimental, but a carefully planned pilot designed to operate as real infrastructure, while also supporting research, workforce training, and future replication in other water-stressed communities.
Construction planning is underway, and the Village of Cuba will continue to work closely with state agencies, academic partners, and The KNeW Company as the project moves forward.
###
About Cuba, New Mexico
The Village of Cuba is a rural community in Sandoval County, New Mexico, committed to securing sustainable infrastructure solutions that support public health, economic vitality, and long-term resilience for its residents.
