EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The Camino Real Regional Utility Authority said in its annual drinking water quality report that the utility is “well maintained and operated.”
The report, which is required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, also concluded that “sources of drinking water are generally protected from potential sources of contamination based on well construction, hydro geologic settings, and system operations and management.”
CRRUA Executive Director Juan Crosby said results presented in the report, also known as the 2024 Consumer Confidence Report (CCR), provide “CRRUA with the confidence to affirm that the water produced by its treatment facilities and wells meets the federal standards for safe drinking water as set forth by the EPA Safe Drinking Water Act.”
CRRUA provides water and wastewater service to Santa Teresa and Sunland Park. The utility has been under fire for alleged water quality issues over the years.
The utility, however, says as of May, it is nearly 95 percent compliant in addressing deficiencies identified by the State of New Mexico during a survey of the utility system in 2023.
According to the report, “All sources of drinking water are subject to potential contamination by substances that are naturally occurring, or manmade. These substances can be microbes, inorganic or organic chemicals and radioactive substances. All drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that the water poses a health risk. “
The tables in the report present a summary of results from water tests conducted by CRRUA and verified by an independent laboratory certified by the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED). Detected contaminants from 2016-2024 are also listed, if not sampled in 2024.
“I highly encourage everyone to read the entire CCR for more information. In the meantime, CRRUA remains committed to meeting all regulatory requirements through the hard work and dedication of its team and will continue to uphold the highest standards in service to the community and the consumers it serves.” Crosby said.
CRRUA will provide customers with a printed copy of the CCR by mail in the coming weeks. The report is also available online at CRRUA.org .
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