Following Water Contamination, Vasquez Calls for Accountability and Oversight During Meeting with CRRUA and Santa Teresa Leaders

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Friday, December 8, 2023, U.S.Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) convened the leadership of the Camino Real Regional Utility Authority (CRRUA) and local leaders from Santa Teresa and Sunland Park to discuss the response to the recent water contamination in the region and identify ways to ensure the failure does not occur again. 

Earlier this month, residents spent several days without potable water, and it took CRRUA more than 36 hours to notify residents. The contamination was caused by a malfunction at a nearby water treatment plant operated by CRRUA, the local water authority. The malfunction and its subsequent clean-up efforts led to murky, contaminated and unusable water being discharged from taps across the area, affecting residents.

“I am deeply concerned about the recent water contamination. This meeting is not just a response to a crisis but a proactive step towards ensuring that such lapses in safety and communication do not happen again,” said Vasquez. “The residents of southern Doña Ana County deserve transparent, timely information and most importantly, consistent access to safe drinking water. Working with local leaders, we are committed to addressing the immediate needs and implementing long-term strategies that safeguard our community’s most vital resource.”

Vasquez hosted the meeting at the Doña Ana Community College in Santa Teresa and was joined by Commissioner Susana Chaparro, CRRUA Board Chairperson Joshua Orozco, CRRUA Board Vice Chairperson, Commissioner Diana Murillo, CRRUA Board Member, Mario Juarez Infante, Sunland Park City Manager, Raymundo Lara, NM State Representative, Fernando Macias, Doña Ana County Manager and Stephen Lopez, Doña Ana County Emergency Manager. 

“We’d like to thank Congressman Vasquez for his concern for the well-being of our residents in the affected areas of impacted areas,” said Commissioner Susana Chaparro. “We assured him that the local officials would work together to improve our overall system and we would be addressing concerns when we have a complete report so that residents’ concerns can be addressed.”

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