Rep. Gabe Vasquez speaks at the ribbon-cutting at Arcosa Wind Towers in Rio Communities, New Mexico on Friday, April 26, 2024. Vasquez has sent letters to state environment and the Camino Real Regional Utility Authority in recent months, requesting more information on operations and accountability for the troubled water utility. (Photo by Anna Padilla for Source NM)
State agencies aren’t the only ones taking a harder look at operations and oversight of a troubled Southern New Mexico water utility.
In recent months, scrutiny has intensified from the state auditor and attorney general’s office , after top environment officials called for a look into how the Camino Real Regional Utility Authority spent millions in public money.
Last week, U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) sent a letter to top officials at the New Mexico Environment Department to take additional actions to “ensure the safety” of residents in Doña Ana County that receive water from the water utility.
Vasquez asked for regular reports on all violations of federal drinking water regulations, and asked the state agency to hold community meetings in Southern New Mexico county, in the April 24 letter.