Troubled Water Utility’s director ‘retires’ amid state investigation into contamination

SUNLAND PARK, New Mexico (KVIA) -- Camino Real Regional Utility Authority met Thursday to discuss an interim executive director position after news was shared the previous director Brent Westmoreland had retired.

Nearly two weeks ago some Sunland Park residents were encouraged to drink bottled water instead of tap after an excess of sulfuric acid in their water supply left their water unsafe.

Doña Ana utility specialists planned to discuss the future of the position but due to technical difficulties, a fourth board member was unable to join via Zoom. A quorum was not met and the meeting could not continue.

Citizens in attendance were left once again displeased with the communication of CRRUA.

Many said they received no notice of Thursday's meeting and instead heard it through word of mouth. There were less than ten members of the public in attendance.

"I don't trust the organization at all I don't trust what they say I don't trust the information that we're given," said Evelyn Lopez, a concerned resident.

Citizens first expressed frustrations with the way they were notified of the original problem. Many of them said they were consuming the contaminated water for days without being notified that it was unsafe.

Council members acknowledged communication, suggesting a public spokesperson for the department.

"There is a need for communication in CRRUA," said Alberto Jaramilo, Sunland park City Council District 4 Rep. "I think we need a pio at CRRUA locally to be able to help us put with the communication"

C.R.R.U.A closed the meeting for the evening with no plan set yet on when they will return with answers for the public. They said they are awaiting an investigation to be completed to provide more answers to the community.