Uranium Q & A
7/29/2026
We understand that our customers may have questions regarding the uranium levels detected in one of our wells and the actions being taken to ensure the continued safety of your drinking water. To help provide clear, accurate, and transparent information, we have compiled answers to the most frequently asked questions. Please the Questions & Answers below, where you'll find information about what uranium is, why it occurs naturally in groundwater, the steps we are taking to address the issue, and guidance from state and federal drinking water regulations. We are committed to keeping our customers informed and will continue to update this page as new information becomes available.
Our priority is providing safe, reliable drinking water to our customers. As soon as we received the laboratory results from the New Mexico Environment Department, we completed the required public notification. As stated earlier we have secured funding to replace Well #5, and while that process takes time because of permitting and construction requirements, we are committed to keeping our customers informed every step of the way. In the meantime, we will continue enhanced testing and post all results publicly as they become available.
Based on the public notice uranium exceeded the drinking water standard beginning in the first quarter of 2025. Why weren't customers notified sooner?
The uranium samples were collected by the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) throughout 2025. Rather than testing each quarterly sample individually, NMED combined the four quarterly samples into a single composite sample, which was submitted to the laboratory in February 2026. The Association was notified of the results in mid-May 2026. Once we received those results, we provided public notification through our June 1, 2026 billing statement, as required.
What is the Association doing to address the problem?
Our immediate action has been to continue blending Well #5 with three other wells that all test below the EPA standard. Well #5 supplied approximately 20% of the water in that service area during 2025, while the remaining 80% came from compliant wells.
Our long-term solution is to permanently replace Well #5 by constructing a new production well. Currently we have a 5th well that is out of service for repairs and we are hoping to find a solution for the issue with this well in the next few weeks which would allow us to bring well 5 off line sooner and not have to wait for a replacement well to be drilled.
In the meantime, as production demands reduce we will reduce the pumping this well.
How often is uranium testing being done?
Under the current regulatory requirements, NMED is collecting uranium samples quarterly. In addition to that required testing, the Association has implemented its own enhanced monitoring program. We are conducting monthly sampling of Well #5 and our storage tanks to closely monitor uranium levels and provide additional data.
Why weren't customers notified sooner in 2025?
The Association cannot notify customers of results we have not received. NMED collected the samples during 2025, and the composite sample was not analyzed until February 2026. We received the laboratory results in mid-May 2026 and issued public notification with our June 1 billing.
Prior to this year, when was the last uranium test?
The previous uranium sample was collected in 2020 and had a result of 14 micrograms per liter (µg/L), which was well below the EPA Maximum Contaminant Level of 30 µg/L.
How often should uranium be tested?
Uranium testing is performed according to a monitoring schedule established by NMED and EPA regulations. The Association does not determine that schedule or collect the regulatory compliance samples. Based on the current results, NMED is now requiring quarterly monitoring.
What caused the uranium levels to exceed the standard?
Uranium is a naturally occurring element found in many rock formations throughout New Mexico, especially granite. As groundwater moves through these formations, small amounts of uranium can dissolve into the water. Changes in groundwater conditions, such as drought or shifting aquifer conditions, can sometimes result in higher concentrations being drawn into a well. There is no indication that this is related to industrial pollution or any human-caused contamination.
Where will the replacement well be located?
The exact location has not yet been selected. We closed funding for the project this past Friday (July 24, 2026 )and now can begin the evaluation process. A hydrologist and engineering firm are working to identify a location that provides both sufficient water quantity and good water quality before finalizing the sites.
We actually applied for the funding to drill 3 replacement wells over 12 months ago. Well 5 was one of the well that had been identified as one of the wells to be replaced even prior to the Uranium test results being received.
Why does replacing a well take so long?
Constructing a public drinking water well involves several required steps to ensure it provides a safe and reliable water supply. Those steps include site selection, hydrogeologic evaluation, permitting through the Office of the State Engineer, engineering design, regulatory approval by NMED, contractor procurement, construction, water quality testing, and placing the well into service.
While we understand customers want a quick solution, these requirements are necessary to ensure the replacement well meets all state and federal drinking water standards. We anticipate the overall process will take approximately six to eight months.
Can you tell customers which well serves their home?
No. Water delivered to customers is blended from multiple wells throughout the distribution system. In the Doña Ana service area, all of the wells feed into a common 18-inch transmission main and to the four interconnected storage tanks, so customers receive blended water from all 4 well that are currently online.
This is a common practice in public water systems because blending helps maintain reliable service and consistent water quality. During 2025, Well #5 only supplied approximately 20% of the water in the area, while the remaining 80% came from wells that met the uranium standard. Our largest producing well, which has a uranium detection of 6 micrograms per liter (µg/L), accounts for 47% o the total water we produce.
Where is Well #5 located?
Well #5 is located on Taylor Road.
Are additional tests being conducted, and how will customers be updated?
Yes. Regulatory quarterly monitoring by NMED will continue, and the Association has added monthly testing of Well #5 and our storage tanks. As results become available, they will be posted on the Association's website so customers have access to the most current information.
Is the Association facing any state violations?
Yes. The Association has received a monitoring and public notification violation associated with the uranium exceedance in Well #5. The public notification requirement has been completed, and monitoring will continue until the well is either replaced or uranium levels are reduced to at or below the EPA Maximum Contaminant Level of 30 µg/L.
It is important to note that Well #5 is blended with three other production wells. Approximately 80% of the water supplied to the affected area comes from wells that comply with the uranium standard.
Why are customers being told they do not need bottled water?
The health guidance provided in the public notice comes directly from the New Mexico Environment Department. The Association does not develop health recommendations; our responsibility is to provide the required public notification and keep customers informed. The only portion of the notice written by the Association is the section titled "What is being done?"