The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) has initiated legal action against the Camino Real Regional Utility Authority (CRRUA) by filing a lawsuit in the Third Judicial District Court in Las Cruces. The department is requesting the court to appoint an independent manager to oversee CRRUA's daily operations, which could place the utility under a status akin to receivership.
This move follows over ten years of mismanagement at CRRUA, highlighted by repeated failures in arsenic testing conducted by both CRRUA and NMED staff. CRRUA has also failed to notify its customers about hazardous arsenic levels in their drinking water, a violation that has persisted for years.
"While the Environment Department has invested significant technical resources to assist CRRUA in fulfilling its duty to deliver safe and reliable drinking water, its failures continue to threaten public health," said Environment Department Secretary James Kenney. "Today’s lawsuit and request to appoint an independent manager to oversee CRRUA signals a new approach in Environment Department efforts to protect the health of communities when they turn on their tap."
NMED is seeking additional court orders for CRRUA, including implementing real-time arsenic monitoring, distributing free arsenic test strips for all customers, providing alternative drinking water sources if arsenic levels exceed state limits, conducting monthly public meetings, and paying civil penalties. These penalties will fund drinking water and wastewater utility operators across New Mexico.
The filing aligns with NMED's broader stance on water systems that consistently violate state regulations. In July 2024, NMED put 138 drinking systems on notice due to non-compliance issues. Despite this, several systems remain out of compliance, including those in Las Vegas and Moriarity.
NMED emphasizes that if utility management cannot provide safe and reliable drinking water consistently, replacements will be considered.
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