State delivers emergency drinking water to Mora County
Three metals exceed EPA limits in wildfire-affected groundwater
The state is providing emergency drinking water to Mora County residents with private wells after tests revealed antimony, arsenic, and uranium above safe drinking water limits in groundwater affected by the 2022 Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire.
The New Mexico Environment Department and Department of Health recently reported that an independent geologic study found three metals exceeded U.S. Environmental Protection Agency safe drinking water limits, with elevated levels of manganese also detected. Seven other metals were found at elevated levels but within EPA standards.
Municipal water systems in Mora County are not affected and remain safe to drink. This advisory applies only to private well owners in the wildfire-affected areas.
Drinking water is available for pickup Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Mora County Courthouse, 1 Courthouse Dr., Mora, N.M. 87732. Residents will need to bring containers to fill up using the self-serve water tank.
“The health and safety of Mora County residents is our top priority,” said Dr. Miranda Durham, Chief Medical Officer for the New Mexico Department of Health. “We’re working to ensure families have access to safe drinking water. If you rely on well water in the affected area, please use the emergency water supply and have your well tested by a certified laboratory.”
The New Mexico Environment Department recommends all private well owners in the area get their water tested at a certified lab. A full list of certified labs in New Mexico can be found here: https://cloud.env.nm.gov/resources/_translator.php/MDkyZWRlNDAwZGVjMDQyY2VkN2EzNDIyNl8xMTc2ODc~.pdf.
Until private wells are tested and confirmed safe, residents should NOT use well water for:
- Drinking, cooking, or making ice
- Making coffee, tea, or other beverages
- Baby formula preparation
Water may still be used for other household needs, including showering and bathing. While the levels pose long-term risks, they do not affect normal skin contact. Boiling water will not make it safe — it can increase the concentration of these metals.
At higher concentrations or with long-term exposure, these metals can damage the kidneys, skin, cardiovascular system, and nervous system. Infants, young children, and pregnant individuals are most sensitive, especially to arsenic and manganese, which can affect brain development.
The New Mexico Departments of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM), Health and Environment are coordinating to ensure residents have clear information while long-term treatment solutions are developed.
Disaster case managers from DHSEM are available to assist residents with recovery resources, including help with Claim’s Office paperwork. Those interested can call 505-670-4662 for assistance. Updated information and other recovery resources can be found here: https://www.dhsem.nm.gov/hermits-peak-calf-canyon-resources/.