Another cost of federal mgt: Fire, drought blamed for Ruidoso water violations

Over the past 11 months, Ruidoso's water system was cited for seven violations by the New Mexico Environment Department, but village officials contend the water always was safe to drink. All seven violations directly relate to Plant 4 at Grindstone Reservoir and are a result of the continuing drought and recent fires that prevented the village from replenishing the water in the reservoir, Lee explained. As a result, the mineral content of the water has been slowly concentrated over time, and the mineral content is higher. Had there been a problem with the safety of the water, the village would have been required to immediately notify all residents to boil their water before consuming it This has not happened, she pointed out...more