Alamogordo Ready to Bid Major Water Reclamation Project to Upgrade Aging Pipeline

Alamogordo N.M.- The City of Alamogordo is preparing to advertise a request for proposals for a major infrastructure project that will replace a deteriorating transmission line central to the city’s water conservation efforts. The Pivot Transmission Line Replacement project, which has been in development since 2017, represents a critical upgrade to the city’s reclaimed water system.

According to Shelley Dowhanik-Baron, B.Sc.C.E., M.Eng, the city’s engineer, the project addresses an urgent need to replace infrastructure that has experienced ongoing failures. “The Pivot Transmission Line has been deteriorating and requires replacement,” Dowhanik-Bar said. “This project is shovel-ready, and the request for proposals will be advertised in the near future.”

A Long-Planned Solution to a Growing Problem

While some community members have questioned the origins of the project, the infrastructure improvement actually dates back nearly a decade. The need for the replacement was identified in 2017, with final design plans completed in 2018 by Smith Engineering. The delay in moving to construction reflects the time required to secure funding and navigate permitting requirements.

The 2.5-mile-long, 14-inch diameter pressurized pipe distributes reclaimed water—treated wastewater—from the City of Alamogordo Reclamation Plant to various locations around the city. The transmission line traverses property belonging to the Alamogordo–White Sands Regional Airport and passes under one of the airport’s runways through a specially constructed sleeve.

Supporting Sustainability and Conservation

The Pivot Transmission Line is a key component of the city’s water reuse system, which has been operating for more than 25 years. The Wastewater Reclamation Division of the City of Alamogordo Utilities Department manages five lift stations, six reclaimed pumping stations, and five reclaimed ground storage reservoirs in addition to the wastewater reclamation plant and related facilities.

Reclaimed water serves essential non-potable uses including irrigation of city parks and green spaces, as well as dust control on construction sites. When demand is lower—such as during cooler months—the Pivot Transmission Line discharges into three pivot irrigation systems located south of the airport.

“Reclaimed water is not used for drinking, bathing, cooking, or swimming,” Dowhanik-Baron emphasized. “Its purpose is to reduce the demand for potable water and therefore conserve a valuable and critical resource.”

Purple hydrants throughout the city mark reclaimed water line locations, distinguishing them from potable water hydrants and ensuring public safety and awareness.

Project Moves Forward with State Support

The project received a significant boost in fiscal year 2025 when the City of Alamogordo secured a low-interest loan agreement with the New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration (NMFA) to fund the transmission line reconstruction. The project, designated as Water Trust Board Project Number WPF-6541, is now positioned to move forward.

“The engineering design is complete and the project is ready for construction,” said Dowhanik-Baron “A request for proposals for construction of the Pivot Line Replacement will be advertised in the near future.”

The timeline for advertising the RFP has not been announced, but Mayor Sharon McDonald and officials indicate that “qualified contractors will have the opportunity to bid on the project shortly as it’s a priority to go to bid this year.”

About Alamogordo’s Water Reclamation Program

The City of Alamogordo’s water reclamation program is permitted by the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) and represents one of the community’s most successful water conservation initiatives. By safely recycling wastewater for non-potable uses, the program helps address water scarcity in this desert region while reducing strain on potable water supplies.

Current customers of the reclaimed water system include the city’s golf course, municipal parks, four schools, and various contractors. On average, reclaimed water customers help recycle approximately 1.8 million gallons of water daily.

As the City of Alamogordo continues to implement its 40-Year Water Development Plan (2015–2055), projects like the Pivot Transmission Line Replacement are essential to ensuring sustainable water resources for the community’s future growth and resilience.

Note: this article by Journalist Chris Edwards represents a continuation on our ongoing reporting on water in the region and the city of Alamogordo’s proactive 40 year plan and how it compares to other regional utilities struggling with water management for the long term. 

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