Santa Teresa residents complain of slimy water; officials attribute issue to pump maintenance - KFOX El Paso

Santa Teresa residents complain of slimy water; officials attribute issue to pump maintenance | KFOX

SANTA TERESA, N.M. (KFOX14/CBS4) — Several residents in Santa Teresa, New Mexico are reporting that the water smells and feels slimy.

The Camino Real Regional Utility Authority Department put a public notice Thursday that they will be flushing hydrants in Valencia's subdivision and near surrounding areas of Sunland Park and Santa Teresa for the next few days.

According to FitFam, a CRRUA board member said one of the water wells in West Mesa (pump 14) underwent water pump replacement.

The slimy water feeling is due to the food-grade oil that is used in the water pump systems.

The CRRUA is using a water purge method with the water hydrants in the area to flush the water system and remove the food-grade oil.

"We discovered this issue about three days ago. We began to flush lines at that time in order to work on getting the pH down." Should minimize the usage of water. Might wait until tomorrow to take a shower," said Brent Westmoreland the CRRUA Executive Director.

The following areas in Sunland Park and Santa Teresa, NM are impacted:

Due to the current pH level residents in the affected areas are advised NOT to use the water coming out of the faucets for drinking, washing dishes, or bathing.

CRRUA personnel is working with the Sunland Park Fire Department today and tomorrow to flush hydrants in the surrounding areas. Once the system has returned to normal pH levels, CRRUA will send out another notification.

The City of Sunland Park is working with CRRUA to deliver bottled water to locations in the affected area. CRRUA customers may pick up bottled water at the following locations from 5-10 p.m. today.

Locations for pickup

For questions or more information, please call Brent Westmoreland, Executive Director of CRRUA at 575-649-9349.

The issues are expected to be resolved in a few days.

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