ACOMA PUEBLO – As New Mexicans, the importance of water has been ingrained in the way of life. This is especially true of New Mexico’s indigenous tribes. The Pueblo of Acoma is suffering through a water crisis, residents and groups in and around Acoma are rallying to provide water for the pueblo as leadership looks for long-term solutions.
The water crisis began in the late afternoon of October 27. A main water line in the pueblo ruptured, leading to an immediate loss of water pressure across the pueblo. Since then, water pressure has been restarted at a limited capacity, but the amount of water flowing through the pipes is insufficient to serve the pueblo. The improvements came on November 16, according to the pueblo’s public health alert, but the system is still building water supply, leaving pueblo residents in a position where they still have to seek alternative water supply.
The water system is expected to return to full working order on November 23. This is an uncertain deadline, as the system may produce water that is not yet safe to drink. The pueblo will put out an alert to let residents know when the system is in a safe, working order.
Until the system is restored, Pueblo of Acoma residents are being told to boil their water. “Inadequately treated water may contain disease-causing organisms. These organisms include bacteria, viruses, and parasites which can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms,” according to the pueblo’s public health order. “They may pose a special health risk for infants, young children, some of the elderly and people with severely compromised immune systems. The symptoms above are not caused only by organisms in drinking water. If you experience any of these symptoms and they persist, you may want to seek medical advice. People at increased risk should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers.”
Until the system is fully restored, customers on the main water system can pick up alternative water at 25 Pinsbarri Drive. Customers who cannot reach the alternative site are asked to call 505-552-5107 to have water delivered.
Until the official notice is released, the Pueblo of Acoma is asking residents to only use alternative water – not the water from their taps – until the official word comes out that the system is safe.