NMED News:
SAN MIGUEL & MORA COUNTIES — The New Mexico Environment Department’s (NMED) Drinking Water Bureau confirms a precautionary water advisory is required for public water systems in San Miguel and Mora Counties.
Water Systems Include:
| System Name | County | Population Served |
| Pendaries MDWCA | San Miguel | 500 |
| Pendaries RV Resort | San Miguel | 320 |
| Mike Mateo Elementary School | San Miguel | 50 |
| Camp Blue Haven | San Miguel | 150 |
| El Porvenir Christian Camp | San Miguel | 175 |
| Buena Vista MDWCA | San Miguel | 225 |
| Cleveland MDWCA | Mora | 270 |
| Mora Inn & RV | Mora | 75 |
| Ledoux MDWCA | Mora | 168 |
| Mora MDWCA | Mora | 1,100 |
| South Holman MDWCA | Mora | 35 |
| Agua Negra MDWCA | Mora | 242 |
| Upper Holman MDWCA | Mora | 325 |
| San Antonio de Cleveland MDWCA | Mora | 269 |
| North Cleveland MDWCA | Mora | 82 |
NMED has issued the precautionary water advisory as a result of direct impact or reported widespread power outages caused by the Hermits Peak and Calf Canyon Fire Complex. NMED is recommending all consumers of these water systems seek an alternate source of drinking water to ensure the protection of public health.
Residents returning to these areas as evacuation orders are lifted should follow the advice in this advisory until further notice provided by their public water system or NMED.
At this time, this Precautionary Water Advisory applies only to the drinking water from the systems noted above and does not extend to any other surrounding water systems.
In addition to the Precautionary Advisory for the public water systems, the New Mexico Department of Health (DOH) recommends private well owners follow specific tips when they can do so safely, to help protect their health and respond after a wildfire.
DOH tips include:
- Step 1: Well inspection and repair – check for damage to well components, including electrical systems, and remove debris.
- Step 2: Flush the well until the water runs clear (approximately 30 minutes to one hour) and check water pressure. This may best be done by a well contractor.
- Step 3: Test your well water for Coliform bacteria including E. coli, nitrate, other contaminants of concern.
- Step 4: Disinfect your well if water tests positive for bacteria (E. coli) or repairs were done. This may best be done by a well contractor.
Well owners should have their well water tested at a certified drinking water laboratory to be sure contamination has not occurred. At a minimum, water should be tested for bacterial contamination. If well piping (PVC or HDPE) is damaged, tests should include volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) such as BTEX. A list of certified labs is available here.
In New Mexico, private wells are not regulated, which means residents are responsible for ensuring the quality of their drinking water. Well owners can learn more about protecting their drinking water supply and health before, during and after a disaster here.
Burn scars may leave an area more vulnerable to flash flooding, which could impact drinking water sources. Private well owners are encouraged to take precautions to prepare for floods.
Residents are encouraged to continue implementing water conservation efforts in all areas impacted by wildfires.
NMED will continue to monitor the Hermits Peak and Calf Canyon Fire Complex and provide compliance oversight and offer technical assistance to public water systems that may be affected by this ongoing emergency.
