Doña Ana County residents file lawsuit against CRRUA over unresolved water issues - KFOX El Paso
Doña Ana County residents file lawsuit against CRRUA over unresolved water issues
SUNLAND PARK, N. M. (KFOX14) — After months of water issues in Sunland Park and Santa Teresa, and an almost $300,000 penalty to Camino Real Regional Utility Authority (CRRUA), residents in southern Doña Ana County are now filing a lawsuit against the utility company.
“I found a report from the EPA that arsenic is real harmful to the human organs when it’s boiled and that’s very disturbing because these people knew about it and they didn't tell us and to me, they should all resign," said a Sunland Park resident.
CRRUA members held a board meeting on Monday to discuss the changes they have been making to get new board members and resolve the ongoing water issues for the community.
During public comment, members of the law office of Israel S. Chavez and the Markwoski Ruvalcaba law firm spoke on behalf of residents regarding their civil rights violations.
RELATED: CRRUA resolves violation notice, hit with $251,580 penalty for undisclosed problems
The attorneys claim that agencies knew that CRRUA water supply had dangerously high PH levels due to equipment failures but did not notify residents and therefore residents unknowingly consumed and used contaminated water that could potentially lead to health issues.
“What has been happening in this community for-- not one year, not five years, but more than a decade-- is unacceptable,” said one attorney with the Marwoski Ruvalcaba law firm.
“I think that it’s about time because somebody has to be held accountable,” said one Sunland Park resident.
The CRRUA board will not comment about the lawsuit since they are under litigation but we are told that on Tuesday they will attempt to build a new board.
RELATED: Sunland Park and Santa Teresa water supply arsenic levels now safe, utility confirms
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