The Camino Real Regional Utility Authority (CRRUA) has announced the completion of its latest project to enhance arsenic removal capabilities at two of its treatment facilities. As confirmed by KTSM, on Sept. 13, efficiency improvements have been made by replacing filter media at the arsenic treatment facilities (ATF) in Santa Teresa and Sunland Park. This upgrade is set to increase the effectiveness of the filtration process, addressing one of the various concerns surrounding water safety in the region.
According to KTSM, Eric Lopez, a New Mexico-certified Level 4 operator for CRRUA, highlighted that Sunland Park’s ATF underwent its filter media replacement on Sept. 5, while the Santa Teresa Industrial Park (STIP) ATF completed the same process on July 27. Lopez emphasized the full operational status of both systems, following the improvements. The replacement media, notably river rocks, sand, and anthracite coal, play a crucial role in cleansing water by naturally filtering out arsenic, akin to the purification process of river water in nature.
Further light was shed on the filtration media used in the process in a description by a CRRUA spokesperson, as noted by KVIA, “Anthracite coal is part of the filtration process. It also helps with the taste of the water and controls odors.” This statement underscores the multifaceted benefits of the upgrade, not only in removing arsenic but also in improving the overall quality of water provided to locals.
The improvements to the ATF systems also included the addition of a three-layer protective coating inside each filter, aimed to prevent future corrosion, as reported by KFOX-TV. Other remedial measures encompassed the replacement of the tank drains, which had been flagged in the 2023 Sanitary Survey of CRRUA by the New Mexico Environment Department. The upgrades come in the wake of investigations into CRRUA by New Mexico’s Office of the State Auditor, based on allegations of violations regarding state environmental and consumer protection laws, alongside claims from residents about the subpar water quality endured for years.
Completing these upgrades marks a step towards addressing the longstanding concerns over water quality in Santa Teresa and Sunland Park. Residents have been vocal about the need for safer water, placing the spotlight directly on the regional utility provider. With these recent improvements, CRRUA appears firmly committed to regaining public trust and ensuring the safety and satisfaction of its consumers.
