CRRUA says near $200K fine is unfortunate that funds can’t be used to benefit CRRUA customers

UPDATE (2:41 PM)- CCRUA On Feb. 11, 2026, the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) announced a $189,000  settlement with the Camino Real Regional Utility Authority (CRRUA) for notices of violations (NOV) NMED issued between March of 2020 and January 2024.

CRRUA says of the five alleged NOVs:

• One was issued in 2020 and two in 2023, prior to when the current administration began.
• In January 2024 NMED issued two additional NOVs. One was for failure to correct four deficiencies identified in NMED’s 2023 Sanitary Survey.
• NMED released the Sanitary Survey in December 2023, which was also the same month CRRUA’s executive director at the time left the utility. The second violation was for exceeding the maximum contaminant level (MCL) for arsenic at one of the treatment facilities.

“It’s unfortunate that despite CRRUA’s measurable progress in strengthening and stabilizing the water utility from January 2024 through now, NMED chose to pursue punitive actions instead of offering the collaboration, financial resources and technical support to achieve the shared goal of long-term compliance,” says interim executive director, Juan Crosby.

CRRUA says the $189,000 fine paid by CRRUA will be deposited in the Water Conservation Fund.

“Although CRRUA recognizes that the Fund will benefit other utilities throughout the state, it is unfortunate that such funds could not have gone toward system enhancements and operational improvements to benefit CRRUA customers,” said Crosby. 

CRRUA says the company will continue working with NMED and the EPA to complete remaining administrative items, maintain consistent compliance with state and federal drinking water standards and improve operational performance across the utility.

LAS CRUCES, New Mexico (KVIA)- On Wednesday the New Mexico Environmental Department (NMED) announced it had reached a settlement agreement with Camino Real Regional Utility Authority (CRRUA) to pay a fine of $189,000 for drinking water violations from previous years. 

Issues of arsenic above federal standards and discolored, smelly water coming out of residents taps and water bills increased have caused issues in the community in recent years.

Vivian Fuller, a resident of Santa Teresa, said, “I found news of this settlement to be
disturbing. As it is, water rates are going up, and they keep fining CRRUA, which only creates
chaos for the community because we end up paying these fines at the end.”

Daisy Maldonado, a Southern NM organizer, said, “In our fight for clean and safe drinking water for Sunland Park and Santa Teresa residents, NMED’s current ‘settlement’ does little to actually ensure that New Mexicans who are served by CRRUA will receive water they know is safe for them and their families to consume. Since NMED has left the option for receivership on the table, it is difficult to believe—as an agency tasked to protect its residents—that the outcome they are pursuing is in the best interest of everyday New Mexicans.”