Tucumcari Aims to Restore Normal Water Billing by May

City officials acknowledge challenges including meter tampering and outdated software as they work to resolve billing issues.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 12:00am

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An abstract, out-of-focus image composed of warm, blurred pools of light and color, conceptually representing the complex issues surrounding Tucumcari's water billing problems.As Tucumcari works to resolve water billing challenges, the city's efforts to restore normalcy are reflected in a hazy, impressionistic scene of the community.Washington Today

The city of Tucumcari, New Mexico is working to resume normal water billing by May 1st after discovering issues with hundreds of defective water meters, including some that had been magnetically tampered with. City officials say restoring the billing system has been a 'very difficult' task, but they are hopeful to have the problems resolved in the coming months as the city replaces all meters with new ultrasonic models.

Why it matters

Tucumcari's water billing challenges highlight the complexities municipalities can face in maintaining critical infrastructure and services. The discovery of tampered meters raises concerns about water theft and the need for improved meter security, while the outdated software underscores the importance of regular system upgrades. Resolving these issues is crucial for the city to provide reliable water service and accurate billing to residents.

The details

City financial specialist Valerie Benavidez and accounts payable officer Janelle Garcia reported finding dozens of water meters that had been magnetically tampered with, disrupting the electronic signals needed for accurate readings. In addition, the city discovered its water meter software had not been updated since 2017 until recently. Benavidez said the city had previously estimated around 700 problematic meters throughout Tucumcari, and urged customers to contact City Hall if their new bills appear inaccurate. The city is in the process of replacing all meters with new ultrasonic models, with about 60 purchased and 30 installed so far.

  • The city is aiming to resume normal water billings by May 1, 2026.
  • A moratorium on late payment penalties and service shutoffs is set to expire on May 1, 2026.

The players

Valerie Benavidez

The city's financial specialist and accounts receivable officer who discussed the challenges in restoring normal water billings.

Janelle Garcia

The city's accounts payable officer who worked with Benavidez on the water billing issues.

Renee Hayoz

The Tucumcari city manager who said the city is due to have all meters replaced with ultrasonic models later this year.

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What they’re saying

“It's been a roller coaster' trying to resume billings. 'It has been very difficult.”

— Valerie Benavidez, Financial Specialist and Accounts Receivable Officer

“If the new bills look inaccurate, she urged customers to call City Hall to discuss them.”

— Valerie Benavidez, Financial Specialist and Accounts Receivable Officer

What’s next

The city is due to have all water meters replaced with new ultrasonic models later this year, which officials hope will help resolve the billing issues.

The takeaway

Tucumcari's water billing challenges underscore the importance of proactive infrastructure maintenance and regular technology upgrades for municipalities. The discovery of tampered meters also highlights the need for improved meter security to prevent water theft and ensure accurate billing for all residents.