Sewage that started flowing in Anapra, Chihuahua, has crossed the border into Sunland Park, New Mexico, turning parts of the city into a grim, foul-smelling mess. Standing wastewater is pooling near arroyos and in residential blocks along Anapra Road toward McNutt Road, and crews are racing to pump it out and disinfect affected spots. City officials say some residents may be asked to temporarily relocate while treatment is underway, and recent rainfall has only made things worse by pushing the untreated flow deeper into U.S. neighborhoods.
City, utility and federal agencies mobilize
According to the City of Sunland Park, multiple spill locations have been identified, and the city is coordinating its response with the Camino Real Regional Utility Authority and the International Boundary and Water Commission. Crews are working the affected zones, pumping out standing wastewater, applying disinfection measures, and monitoring nearby streets and homes. To keep residents in the loop, officials have scheduled a public town hall on June 11 from 5 to 6 p.m. at City Council Chambers, where they plan to share updates and take questions from the community.
Origin and scope of the spill
Local reports trace the discharge to the Mexican side in Anapra, where it began before tracking north into Sunland Park’s drainage channels. As reported by KTSM, the flow pushed into areas along Anapra Road toward McNutt Road and into nearby residential pockets. City officials say recent rains helped move the wastewater through the area, breaking it up into several isolated treatment sites scattered across the neighborhood.
What responders are doing
Crews and contractors working with the Camino Real Regional Utility Authority are pumping standing wastewater from arroyos and low-lying areas, then treating surrounding surfaces with disinfectant. Captured water may be hauled to regional treatment facilities for processing. The Camino Real Regional Utility Authority lists frequent service updates for the Anapra area and notes other emergency repairs in the subdivision. Officials caution that cleanup and monitoring will not be quiet or invisible, and temporary road or area closures are possible while treatment is underway.
Binational backdrop
Runoff from Anapra has long been a cross-border headache. The area’s topography naturally channels flows northward into Sunland Park, and binational projects have sought to reduce untreated discharges before they cross into the United States. The North American Development Bank has documented a wastewater collection and treatment project for Colonia Anapra that was designed to prevent exactly the kind of cross-border flow now affecting Sunland Park. Residents and leaders say repeated incidents highlight the need for continued investment on both sides of the border to keep this from becoming a regular occurrence.
Regulatory and legal context
This spill is unfolding against a tense regulatory backdrop for the regional utility. In February, the New Mexico Environment Department announced that the Camino Real Regional Utility Authority would pay nearly $189,000 to resolve several water quality violations. The department’s release cited a “bad faith” enhancement in the settlement and said officials are pursuing additional oversight measures, including the possible appointment of an independent manager to oversee operations.
Town hall and next steps for residents
For now, city officials are urging residents to steer clear of any standing water, keep pets away from arroyos, and stay tuned to emergency and utility updates as cleanup continues. The City of Sunland Park will host its June 11 town hall at City Council Chambers, 1000 McNutt Rd, where officials will brief the public and respond to questions. The city says updates and official guidance will be shared online and through local channels as conditions evolve.
