New Mexico Water Authority Fined $189K for Drinking Water Violations

Camino Real Regional Utility Authority penalized for years of failing to deliver safe water to Sunland Park residents.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The New Mexico Environment Department has reached a settlement with Camino Real Regional Utility Authority (CRRUA) over multiple drinking water violations the company committed since 2023. CRRUA will have to pay a $189,000 penalty for issues that included exceeding arsenic limits, failing to notify customers of high pH levels, and failing to make corrections found in sanitary surveys.

Why it matters

This case highlights the importance of water authorities providing safe and reliable drinking water to residents. The violations by CRRUA put public health at risk and eroded trust in the local utility. The settlement and potential appointment of an independent manager aim to hold the company accountable and ensure better water quality moving forward.

The details

According to the New Mexico Environment Department, CRRUA failed to deliver safe and reliable drinking water to Sunland Park residents for years. The company exceeded arsenic limits, failed to notify customers of high pH levels, and did not make corrections identified in multiple sanitary surveys. The $189,000 penalty is part of a settlement addressing five Notices of Violation issued to CRRUA between 2020 and 2024.

  • The violations by CRRUA occurred since 2023.
  • The New Mexico Environment Department announced the settlement on February 11, 2026.

The players

Camino Real Regional Utility Authority

A regional water utility authority that provides drinking water to Sunland Park, New Mexico.

New Mexico Environment Department

The state agency responsible for enforcing environmental regulations, including drinking water standards.

Bruce Baizel

Director of the Compliance and Enforcement Division at the New Mexico Environment Department.

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What they’re saying

“The Environment Department has for years worked to hold CRRUA accountable for repeatedly failing its duty to deliver safe and reliable drinking water to the residents of Sunland Park. The settlement announced today is a significant first step. We are still pursuing a court-appointed independent manager to oversee operations going forward.”

— Bruce Baizel, Director of NMED's Compliance and Enforcement Division (KRQE)

What’s next

The New Mexico Environment Department is still seeking to have an independent manager appointed to oversee CRRUA's operations in order to ensure the company delivers safe and reliable drinking water to Sunland Park residents going forward.

The takeaway

This case underscores the critical importance of water authorities upholding their responsibility to provide safe, high-quality drinking water to the communities they serve. The significant fine and potential appointment of an independent manager demonstrate the state's commitment to holding CRRUA accountable and restoring public trust in the local water system.