Las Vegas, NM - During the City Council Meeting on Wednesday, March 12, City Manager Tim Montgomery provided an update on the ongoing water challenges in Las Vegas, NM. While some members of the Governing Body expressed frustration with the process, Montgomery emphasized that the actions taken thus far are essential for the city to recover from the crisis and to ensure it is better prepared for the future. The city has faced increasing challenges with water treatment and quality due to the damage caused by the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon fire, which severely impacted the city's watershed. Additionally, a series of other issues have compounded the situation, including water turbidity, freezing pipes and systems from cold weather, water leaks throughout the city, and inherited long-standing, unresolved repairs that have accumulated over the years.
Montgomery provided a detailed overview of the city's water storage over the past three months, comparing levels before the crisis began on February 14, when a precautionary boil order was issued due to significant water loss and low pressure. He noted that the city has successfully increased its water reserves, with the goal of maintaining these levels moving forward.
The city's immediate priority at this time is working with the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) - Drinking Water Bureau to meet four essential criteria for the mandatory boil order to be lifted: system stability, stable and increasing water reserves, the water treatment plant's ability to maintain filter beds through backwashes, and the production of high-quality water. Although no specific timeline can be provided, Montgomery confirmed that the city is close to meeting these criteria, with the final requirement being plant stability, as determined by the NMED.
Additional ongoing efforts include the Gallinas River feeding into the Peterson Reservoir to aid with water storage, especially as forecasts predict reduced precipitation this summer, including this past winter being unusually dry. The Water Treatment Plant is currently treating water and producing between 1,000 and 1,300 gallons per minute, allowing the city to scale back on water transportation, which has not been necessary since last week due to the significant increase in water production.
The city is currently working on both short-term and long-term plans to ensure water stability for the community. These plans will include necessary maintenance to keep the existing treatment plant operational and outline strategies for the future of the water treatment system, especially in utilizing the $98 million FEMA funding. Planned upgrades will involve building a new plant and improving the overall water infrastructure. The previous plans did not account for the challenges posed by the flooding last summer and will be adjusted to address all potential water needs moving forward.
Montgomery also provided statistics on water distribution. As a form of support to ensure accessible drinking water for the community, a total of 90,468 pallets (2,171,232 bottles) have been distributed to the community and businesses. A water distribution site at Rodriguez Park provides two cases of water from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily. Additionally, 12,000 pallets (144,000 bottles) have been delivered to those with critical needs. Montgomery commended City staff for their efforts in managing the demanding phone lines, creating lists for water delivery, and providing support to local restaurants with bottled water.
Since January 29, the city has completed 19 significant repairs and upgrades to the water treatment plant, including the installation of Trac Vac systems to maintain filter beds, chemical line cleanouts, and the replacement and upgrading of various pressure pumps, valves, heaters, gauges, and other essential system components. Maintenance has also been conducted on water lines throughout the system, addressing numerous water leaks. While these repairs were necessary, they have impacted plant operations, contributing to the ongoing mandatory boil order.
Montgomery also acknowledged the public’s need for information but emphasized the importance of withholding certain details due to the ongoing third-party investigation. He explained that releasing information prematurely could compromise the integrity of the investigation, noting that finger-pointing and assumptions have already begun. “I ask for your patience and for no release of premature details,” Montgomery urged. “I am trying to be extremely cautious because our investigation is already being impacted.” He also pointed out that state statute protects government employees from engaging in matters beyond public interest, citing laws such as the Open Meetings Act, IPRA Case Law, and the New Mexico Governmental Conduct Act.
Information that can be confirmed regarding the investigation includes data being gathered to establish exact timelines of issues with the plant, including employee statements, daily communication with staff and contractors, and consultations with third-party experts specializing in water treatment plant design and operations. The city is also collaborating with an external attorney who is gathering additional information and preparing an accurate after-action review once the investigation is complete.
Further updates will be provided as the situation evolves. For the most up-to-date information, please visit the City of Las Vegas, NM website at www.lasvegasnm.gov and the Las Vegas City Government Facebook Page.