Major General Miguel Aguilar, Interim Cabinet Secretary | New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (Dhsem)
The state of New Mexico is supplying emergency drinking water to residents in Mora County who rely on private wells, following the detection of unsafe levels of antimony, arsenic, and uranium in groundwater. These findings are linked to contamination from the 2022 Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire.
According to recent reports from the New Mexico Environment Department and Department of Health, an independent geologic study found that three metals exceeded U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) safe drinking water limits. Elevated manganese was also detected, while seven other metals were present at higher-than-normal levels but still within EPA standards.
Municipal water systems in Mora County remain unaffected by this contamination and are considered safe for consumption. The advisory specifically targets private well owners in areas impacted by the wildfire.
Residents using private wells can collect emergency drinking water at the Mora County Courthouse, located at 1 Courthouse Dr., Mora, N.M. 87732. Water pickup is available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Individuals are required to bring their own containers for filling at the self-serve tank.
“The health and safety of Mora County residents is our top priority,” said Dr. Miranda Durham, Chief Medical Officer for the New Mexico Department of Health. “We’re working to ensure families have access to safe drinking water. If you rely on well water in the affected area, please use the emergency water supply and have your well tested by a certified laboratory.”
State officials recommend that all private well owners in affected areas have their water tested by a certified laboratory. A complete list of certified labs is available online: https://cloud.env.nm.gov/resources/_translator.php/MDkyZWRlNDAwZGVjMDQyY2VkN2EzNDIyNl8xMTc2ODc~.pdf.
Until wells are confirmed safe, residents should avoid using well water for drinking or cooking purposes but may continue using it for activities such as showering or bathing since normal skin contact does not pose an immediate risk even though long-term exposure could be harmful. Boiling contaminated well water will not remove these metals and may actually increase their concentration.
Long-term or high-level exposure to these metals can harm organs including kidneys, skin, cardiovascular system, and nervous system; infants, young children, and pregnant individuals are particularly vulnerable due to risks such as impacts on brain development associated with arsenic and manganese.
The New Mexico Departments of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM), Health, and Environment are collaborating to provide clear information while seeking long-term solutions for treating contaminated groundwater.
Disaster case managers from DHSEM are available to help residents access recovery resources such as assistance with Claim’s Office paperwork; those needing support can call 505-670-4662 or visit https://www.dhsem.nm.gov/hermits-peak-calf-canyon-resources/ for more information.
