- Over 160,000 consumers may be at risk.
- Contaminants include arsenic, uranium, and fluoride.
- Systems have 15 days to submit a plan or face fines.
August 5, 2024 — The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) announced on July 31, 2024, that it has warned 138 drinking water systems
across the state for violating health-based standards. The systems serve over 160,000 consumers, including schools, a Boy Scout camp, and other sensitive populations.
Many systems have been out of compliance for years with elevated arsenic, uranium, and fluoride levels. “For years, NMED used its limited staff to provide technical and financial assistance to these systems without taking enforcement actions for continued violations,” said Bruce Baizel, Director of the Compliance and Enforcement Division. “While we will continue to assist those systems that face obstacles in providing safe drinking water, consumers deserve robust enforcement too.”
The systems have 15 days to submit a plan to resolve their violations or risk fines of up to $1,000 per day. “We are standing on the side of the consumer and will not look the other way when it comes to safe drinking water,” said Environment Cabinet Secretary James Kenney.
NMED has developed an interactive map for the public to see if their local drinking water system is one of those targeted in this crackdown. The map can be found at https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/b4bb9933e2a7418f86b7ceac6371411e.
I spend over $300 in filtration filters annually just so we can shower. And we have to pay for it too!
WHY IS THE QUESTION ?