Rep. Gabe Vasquez Demands Accountability and Announces $2.5 Million Request for Safe Drinking Water in Doña Ana County

SANTA TERESA, N.M. – On May 31, 2024, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (N.M.-02) brought residents together to share their thoughts with New Mexico Environment Department (NMED), Camino Real Regional Utility Authority (CRRUA) and local elected officials to continue holding CRRUA accountable and work towards solutions to ensure safe drinking water for Doña Ana County residents. 

“Ensuring the safety of our drinking water is non-negotiable. The residents of Doña Ana County deserve nothing less than full accountability, transparency and reliable solutions to fix the ongoing issues with our water infrastructure,” said Vasquez. “Today’s meeting is just one step in our continued efforts to protect our community’s health and well-being. That’s why I’m also proud to announce that I’ve requested $2.5 million in federal investments to renovate CRRUA’s well to deliver safe drinking water to Doña Ana County residents.”

Vasquez will continue to work to guarantee safe drinking water for residents of Doña Ana County and hold CRRUA accountable for repeated safety violations and mismanagement. He has called on the Biden Administration to improve and increase investments in our water infrastructure systems. 

In December 2023, following a water contamination incident, Vasquez convened an emergency meeting with CRRUA leadership to address the problem. In February, Vasquez wrote to CRRUA demanding an action plan for how CRRUA would address systemic failures and ensure all infrastructure was up to date. In April, Vasquez wrote to NMED, calling for increased testing and public engagement to keep residents safe. 

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