EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The Camino Real Regional Utility Authority, which provides water and wastewater service to Sunland Park and Santa Teresa, says it has passed the second of two arsenic water sample tests done in July.
“Including these latest test results, CRRUA has now passed 11 arsenic water sample tests since January 24, 2024,” said CRRUA Executive Director Juan Crosby.
Test results, released by Eurofins Environment Testing, a water testing laboratory certified by the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED), show that arsenic levels at all four arsenic treatment facilities (ATF) operated by CRRUA are below the federal limit of 10 parts per billion (ppb.), according to CRRUA.
Arsenic Test Results from Samples Taken July 31, 2024
Sample LocationArsenic Treatment Facility (ATF)Sample Result (ppb)Arsenic MCL10 (ppb)Sunland Park (ATF)8.8Below MCLSanta Teresa Community (ATF)5.6Below MCLSanta Teresa Industrial Park (ATF)3.8Below MCLBorder Entry (ATF)3.2Below MCLCourtesy of CRRUA
CRRUA recently initiated the replacement of filter media at two arsenic treatment facilities that will increase the efficiency of the arsenic removal process and ensure the continued delivery of safe, clean water to Sunland Park and Santa Teresa, the utility said.
Filter media is the “organic material placed inside large filter chambers that helps remove arsenic as water passes through it,” the utility said.
Filter media consists of varying sizes of river rock, sand, and anthracite coal. As water flows through the layers of rocks, it loosens the arsenic, trapping it in the sand. The sand is removed and properly disposed of. Anthracite coal is part of the filtration process. It also helps with the taste of the water and controls odors. Courtesy of CRRUA
“The test results from the Santa Teresa Industrial Park (STIP) arsenic treatment facility are with new filter media installed in all three filter chambers and the system operating fully,” said Eric Lopez, New Mexico certified level 4 operator in water/wastewater.
“The test results for the Sunland Park arsenic treatment facility are with the system using the first of two-filter chambers to receive new filter media. That chamber went online on Aug. 7, 2024. The second chamber is offline for filter media replacement,” Lopez said.
The utility has been under fire for water quality and water discoloration issues for months. But the utility said it has been making progress this year in addressing concerns.
The New Mexico Environmental Law Center recently asked the New Mexico Department of Justice and the New Mexico Office of the State Auditor to investigate CRRUA. The group alleges that the utility has violated the federal Safe Drinking Water Act and other state and federal regulations and “has exceeded the permissable arsenic levels in the public water supply.”
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