9-20-2024 5:21am

Environment Department offers well water testing in Ruidoso and Mescalero

Chris Edwards Editor

The New Mexico Environment Department is offering free domestic well water testing at “Cabinet in Your Community” events in Ruidoso and Mescalero on Sept. 20 and Sept. 21 per a state news release.

“Cabinet in Your Community” will kick off at 3 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 20 in Mescalero at the State Services Expo at the Inn of Mountain Gods, located at 287 Carrizo Canyon Rd., Mescalero, N.M. 88340

There will also be a community town hall from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. On Saturday, Sept. 21, New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) and other state departments will be in Ruidoso starting at 11 a.m., with the event taking place at the Ruidoso High School Cafeteria, 125 Warrior Dr., Ruidoso, N.M. 88345. Another town hall will follow from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Those interested should bring their own water sample to NMED’s booth at either event. Staff will be available to collect samples from the start of each event to the end of the town halls.

Well water tests typically cost about $150 but will be free to the first 100 participants or while supplies last. Test results will be mailed to the households following the event within two to three weeks.

"Water testing is one more way for the Environment Department to help those impacted by the devastating South Fork and Salt fires,” said Deputy Environment Secretary Sydney Lienemann. “We encourage community members to take advantage of not just our services, but also those offered by every state agency attending Cabinet in Your Community.” Residents should use these guidelines to ensure their sample is collected correctly: •

Let the water run for two to three minutes before collecting the sample.