CRRUA says voluntary testing showed high arsenic levels at one plant

EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The Camino Real Regional Utility Authority, which has been under fire for water quality issues for months, said that in its latest voluntary testing for arsenic that one of its treatment facilities exceeded federal limits but a “quick response” by the utility brought them back into compliance in hours.

The utility said that the sample taken at the Santa Teresa Industrial Plant on June 11 and tested by a state-certified lab came in at 13 parts per billion (ppb). The federal limit is 10 ppb.

A field test the next day showed arsenic levels at 12 ppb.

“Immediate adjustments were made and within hours the arsenic level dropped to 8 ppb,” the utility said.

“We discovered this isolated exceedance through voluntary self-testing and were able to act swiftly and effectively,” said CRRUA Executive Director Juan Carlos Crosby.

CRRUA says it has passed the previous six arsenic tests, including one conducted by New Mexico Environment Department (NMED).

Crosby said a water well that was offline for repairs was introduced back into the system and that led to the high test results for arsenic.

“When water is reintroduced into the system, the previous treatment formula must be modified. So, when the well returned to service, facility operators used field test kits to test the water,” Crosby said.

He said the operators initiated additional chemical adjustments and within hours, the arsenic level dropped to acceptable levels.

Crosby said even though the test results are from a lab certified by the New Mexico Environment Department, because the tests are voluntary, they will not adversely impact CRRUA. Only the quarterly tests conducted by NMED count towards compliance, the utility said.

CRRUA does, however, report the results of its voluntary tests to NMED.

Crosby said CRRUA’s voluntary testing for arsenic as a self-governance practice also serves as “honest, open communication” with customers.

CRRUA operates four arsenic treatment facilities and in January 2024 initiated voluntary twice monthly testing at all plants. Last month, CRRUA excluded the Border Entry facility from its voluntary testing due to its continued meeting of all NMED requirements. This month, CRRUA went to monthly voluntary testing for the same reason, it said.

CRRUA provides water and wastewater service to Santa Teresa and Sunland Park.

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