State hosts Sunland Park town hall on water quality

SANTA FE – State health and environment agencies will host a town hall in Sunland Park to discuss health impacts of arsenic levels in local drinking water.

The town hall will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 16 at the Doña Ana Community College (DACC) Sunland Park Center located at 3365 McNutt Rd. in Sunland Park.

Department of Health (NMHealth) Secretary Patrick Allen and Environment Department (NMED) Deputy Secretary Sydney Lienemann, along with environmental health and water quality experts, will answer questions from the community.

“We want to hear straight from Sunland Park and Santa Teresa residents and local leaders about their concerns of water quality in their area,” said NMHealth Secretary Patrick Allen. “We will, face-to-face, answer questions about health impacts of arsenic levels in their water supply.” 

“Our top priority is ensuring that every New Mexican has access to clean, safe drinking water,” said NMED Deputy Cabinet Secretary Sydney Lienemann. “We will listen to the community, answer questions, and provide clarity on the steps we’re taking to protect public health and the environment.”

Spanish interpreters will be available at the meeting. The event will be streamed live online on the NMED’s Facebook page.

The Camino Real Regional Utility Authority (CRRUA) supplies water to 20,000 residents in southern Doña Ana County.   

Since last year, CRRUA has been subject to escalated NMED testing of its water supply to assure arsenic sampling results meet U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standards. Arsenic is a poisonous metal that can cause skin changes, liver and kidney damage, and birth defects.   

In March, NMED issued CRRUA an administrative order for ongoing violations of the federal Safe Drinking Water Act and New Mexico Drinking Water Regulations.  

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El Estado organiza una reunión municipal en Sunland Park sobre la calidad del agua