UPDATE: As part of the response, CRRUA is flushing fire hydrants that could result in discolored water in the impacted area that includes Valencia Park, Via Valencia and the Santa Teresa Industrial Area.  The discoloration is due to naturally occurring minerals in the distribution system. CRRUA recommends waiting for the water to become clear before washing laundry. The discoloration should disappear within 24 hours. If it does not, customers should run cold water for several minutes. (Posted at 10:08 p.m. on 06-18-2026).

The Camino Real Regional Utility Authority (CRRUA) would like to inform customers that elevated pH levels were detected this morning (06/18/2026) at the Santa Teresa Industrial Area Arsenic Treatment Facility at approximately 7:00 a.m. 

Upon notification, CRRUA operations staff were immediately dispatched to the facility and began investigating and addressing the issue. Operational adjustments to the treatment equipment were completed at approximately 8:45 a.m. today (06/18/2026), at which time pH levels at the treatment facility were returned to normal operating conditions. 

In addition, CRRUA operational staff conducted hydrant flushing throughout the affected service area. Hydrant flushing is a standard operational practice used to remove water with elevated pH levels from the distribution system and storage facilities, allowing treated water with corrected pH levels to replenish the system more rapidly. This process helps restore and maintain normal water quality conditions throughout the affected area. 

At this time, CRRUA continues to monitor the system closely and has increased sampling and operational oversight as a precautionary measure. Monitoring efforts will focus on the northern portion of the City of Sunland Park service area, including: 

• Valencia Park 
• Via Valencia 
• Santa Teresa Industrial Area 

CRRUA's primary concern is the continued delivery of safe and reliable drinking water to its customers. Staff will continue to evaluate system conditions and take any necessary corrective actions should additional adjustments be required. 

There is currently no interruption of water service associated with this event. Additional updates will be provided if warranted by monitoring results. 

CRRUA would also like to assure customers that arsenic treatment performance was not impacted during this event. Sample testing conducted by operational staff confirmed arsenic concentrations remained below the federal Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL). Test results measured approximately 3 parts per billion (ppb), well below the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's MCL of 10 ppb for arsenic in drinking water. 

For questions or concerns, customers may contact CRRUA Customer Service during normal business hours from 8am to 4pm at 4700 McNutt Road, Sunland Park, NM 88063