State to host Sunland Park community meeting on water quality April 7

SANTA FE — New Mexico state agencies will host a community meeting in Sunland Park on April 7, 2026, to gather input from residents affected by arsenic contamination in their drinking water and outline public health resources the state is working to provide. 

The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) and New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) will present updates regarding the Camino Real Regional Utility Authority (CRRUA), which in recent years failed to properly treat arsenic in drinking water served to customers.

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Attendees will also have the opportunity to ask questions and provide suggestions for future state efforts, which could include free water sampling, filtration or biomonitoring — testing to measure arsenic levels in residents’ bodies.

• WHAT: Public forum on arsenic exposure and available health resources; residents invited to ask questions and provide input on future state assistance
• WHO: Representatives from the New Mexico Environment Department and New Mexico Department of Health
• WHEN: 6 p.m., Tuesday, April 7, 2026
• WHERE: Doña Ana Community College – Sunland Park Center, 3365 McNutt Rd., Sunland Park, New Mexico 88063

To protect customers long-term, NMED is seeking a court-appointed independent manager to oversee operations at the troubled utility. As part of its ongoing effort to protect Sunland Park residents, NMED is also working to require CRRUA to:

• Implement real-time arsenic monitoring
• Distribute free arsenic test strips for all CRRUA customers
• Provide an alternative drinking water source if arsenic levels exceed state limits
• Conduct monthly public meetings

NMED recently fined CRRUA nearly $200,000 for five violations committed by the utility since 2023, including exceeding federal arsenic limits and failing to notify customers of high pH levels.

The forum on April 7 is an opportunity for Sunland Park residents to be heard and explore what resources might best serve them. NMED and NMDOH are committed to working alongside this community to address the impacts of arsenic exposure and prevent future harm.