Santa Teresa and Sunland Park residents continue to endure water crisis: Frustrations rise over delayed fixes and poor communication - KFOX El Paso

Santa Teresa and Sunland Park residents continue to endure water crisis: Frustrations rise over delayed fixes and poor communication | KFOX

SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (KFOX14) — Santa Teresa and Sunland Park residents continued to be without clean water to shower or drink.

The Camino Real Regional Utility Authority said the problem should've been fixed by Saturday, but that wasn't the case.

Impacted residents continued to feel frustrated with CRRUA and many went to the Sunland Park Sports Complex to pick up cases of free bottled waters from 1-5pm.

While some residents who spoke with KFOX14 said they were thankful others said the lack of communication from the utility is frustrating.

"I’m getting more information from people in the neighborhood. Since Tuesday we haven’t heard a thing at all. So I’m really upset," Georgina Powers said.

"We should’ve had a quicker response. Right now I’m glad their working on it," Valerie said.

Residents were let known today that the pH levels were dropping but CRRUA advised residents in the affected areas to not use the water coming out of the faucets for drinking, washing dishes, or bathing.

KFOX14 spoke with CRRUA's Executive Director, Brent Westmoreland, and he said crews had already put out the biggest problem and were flushing out water to balance the pH levels.

"Hopefully things are done and back tomorrow back to normal. We will get this resolved to everybody’s satisfaction and benefit," Westmoreland said.

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CRRUA said they found out about the problem on Wednesday but residents said they had reached out to the utility since Tuesday night, and it wasn't until Friday afternoon that they were told to not drink or use the water.

"We’ve been using it since last week and we felt the thing and we felt sick for three days," Eduardo Gomez said.

"I’ve been showering and drinking the water, so I’m really worried for myself and what’s gonna happen in the future," Georgina Powers said.

Westmoreland said residents shouldn't worry if they consumed the water.

"Excessive amounts of pH high pH will not damage anyone it might irritate your skin when you shower in it," Westmoreland said.

CRRUA said they are hopeful that the issue can be resolved by Sunday and would continue to provide free bottled water for affected residents.

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