Unsafe Drinking Water in New Mexico: A Deepening Crisis
In New Mexico, the fundamental right to clean, safe drinking water is increasingly at risk. John Rhoderick, Chief of the Water Protection Division, underscores the gravity of the situation: “We live in a country where clean, safe drinking water is a right. The water coming out of our taps shouldn’t be a hazard to us.” Unfortunately, this ideal is far from reality in several communities across the state.
Pojoaque Terraces: A Persistent Hazard
In the Pojoaque Terraces Mobile Home Park, located north of Tesuque in rural Santa Fe County, residents face a severe drinking water crisis. Test results reveal that the water here is contaminated with uranium levels exceeding twice the legal limit. This contamination was first detected four years ago, yet the issue remains unresolved. Uranium in drinking water poses serious health risks, including weakened immune function and potential kidney damage. Despite numerous EPA violation notices since 2021, Pojoaque Terraces has not installed the required equipment to address the contamination. Residents have filed a lawsuit against the park’s owners, but the litigation is ongoing.
Widespread Violations and Noncompliance
Pojoaque Terraces is not alone. KRQE News 13’s investigation highlights unsafe drinking water conditions in multiple New Mexico communities. The scale of violations has made enforcement challenging, with Secretary James Kenney expressing frustration: “What bothers me is that New Mexicans are going with water that doesn’t meet federal drinking water standards.”
In Mesilla Park, the De La Te Mobile Manor has been plagued with high uranium levels since 2017, accruing 20 Safe Drinking Water Act violations. The Town of Springer, with over 50 violations since 2017, struggles with trihalomethanes—a cancer-causing byproduct of chlorination. Cassandra Subdivision near Moriarity has been dealing with excessive radium since 2011, leading to 137 violation notices and a $12,000 fine that remains unpaid. El Shaddai Subdivision in Valencia County has accumulated 71 violations over a decade, and the Camino Real Regional Utility Authority (CRRUA) in Sunland Park has faced over 120 EPA violations for arsenic contamination.
Inadequate Enforcement and Resource Challenges
John Rhoderick admits that the Environment Department’s enforcement efforts have been insufficient: “Just writing the (violation) letters has not been effective and is not effective.” Secretary Kenney concurs, criticizing the department’s performance: “I would have to say historically up to this point, sadly, unfortunately, probably a D.” The lack of resources and staff is a significant hurdle, with Secretary Kenney acknowledging that the department is not equipped to address all compliance issues simultaneously.
Moving Forward
Despite these challenges, the Environment Department is committed to improving the situation. “We are putting every resource we have into drinking water enforcement,” Secretary Kenney assures. Efforts include fighting for additional resources and enhancing enforcement practices to better protect New Mexicans.
Water System Resources
- Use the EPA’s Enforcement and Compliance History Online website to view facilities in New Mexico to assess their compliance with drinking water regulations. Click here for more information.
- Use the Environmental Working Group’s water database to see if your water is safe. Click here to enter your zipcode.
- The New Mexico Environment Department has an “Enforcement Watch” section on its website that lists locations within the state that have active drinking water violations.
