- NMED warned 138 water systems for violations in July.
- Over 160,000 residents, including schools, were affected.
- Significant progress has been made since then.
- $78 million invested in water infrastructure projects.
- Ongoing efforts aim to ensure safe water for all.
October 15, 2024 — The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) announced on July 31, 2024, that it had warned 138 drinking water systems across the state for violating health-based standards. These systems serve more than 160,000 people, including vulnerable populations like schoolchildren and campers at a Boy Scout camp.
Since that alarming announcement, NMED has reported substantial progress in addressing these violations. The department initiated 175 enforcement actions in August and resolved 140 cases
. NMED Compliance and Enforcement Director Bruce Baizel stated, “All New Mexico businesses must focus on health, safety, and accident prevention. Ignoring risks and regulations that ensure the health and safety of employees and communities has no place in our state.”
The Drinking Water Bureau was particularly active, issuing 119 violation notices in August. These included actions against the Cannon Air Force Base Water System for failing to complete required lead and copper monitoring between 2020 and 2022 and the White Sands National Park water system for not submitting necessary microbiological samples in June 2024.
By September, the number of new violations had decreased significantly, with 120 new enforcement actions initiated and 21 resolved. “This Enforcement Watch report shows signs of progress, with a significant decrease in the number of violations issued compared to previous months,” said Baizel. However, he added, “Our work is far from over. We will continue to crack down on those who remain out of compliance, from Sunland Park to White Sands.”
Among the September actions, the Drinking Water Bureau issued 32 new notices of violation. One notable case involved the Camino Real Regional Utility Authority of Sunland Park, which exceeded the arsenic maximum contaminant level for the third quarter of 2024.
Beyond enforcement, NMED is investing heavily in improving the state’s water infrastructure. In its fourth-quarter performance report for fiscal year 2024, published on October 10, NMED highlighted that it has allocated nearly $78 million to new water projects. This funding supports 175 initiatives to enhance drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater systems across New Mexico.
One significant project involves using $1.5 million from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund to install solar panels at the City of Santa Rosa’s wastewater treatment plant. This upgrade is expected to reduce electricity costs and allow savings to be reinvested in further water system improvements.
Despite these efforts, challenges remain. The report noted that only 88.2% of New Mexicans have access to safe and healthy drinking water, falling short of the 95% target. Additionally, 36.8% of community water systems still needed to meet at least one drinking water standard.
NMED continues to work diligently to ensure all residents have safe drinking water access. The department encourages any organizations that need clarification on their regulatory responsibilities to seek guidance and conduct third-party compliance audits. “The easiest way for an organization to avoid appearing on the Enforcement Watch is to stay off it in the first place by remaining in full compliance with applicable regulations,” the department emphasized. For more information on NMED’s enforcement actions and how to report environmental or workplace safety violations, visit their Enforcement Watch page at https://www.env.nm.gov/enforcement-watch.
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Image:
Aerial view of dunefield, White Sands National Park, New Mexico
. National Park Service, Public Domain.
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