Residents of the Carñuel area continue to see local officials working to improve their water situation.
Bernalillo County Commissioners on Tuesday voted to spend almost $578,000 in American Rescue Plan Act money toward a wastewater project in the East Mountains community.
The commission in 2021 approved $3.85 million for the project, though bids for the work included within have come in higher than expected. The additional dollars, county officials say, will enable the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority to continue the scope of work outlined in the project agreement.
The money will go toward drinking water improvements and a sewage collection system in Carñuel. The community has been the target of several recent improvement efforts by commissioners, after residents complained of blue babies and water that sickens those who drink it.
Researchers have also found increasing amounts of nutrients in Tijeras Creek, which officials say is concerning, because people in Carñuel use wells for drinking water and septic systems for wastewater.
Improving the quality of life for residents by investing in projects to provide clean water and modern infrastructure is paramount, and these funds are an investment that will help us reach that goal,” said Commission Vice Chair Eric Olivas, whose district includes the Carñuel area.
In June, commissioners approved an intergovernmental agreement with the U.S. Geological Survey, which will conduct a study of possible groundwater contamination in the Carñuel area. Last month, they agreed to earmark more than $2 million for an application to the New Mexico Water Trust Board, which provides funding to help local governments improve their water systems.
In arguing for passage of that item, Olivas said that money could unlock $10 million to $20 million in state money, which would be used for water and wastewater system improvements in the Carñuel area.