Water pollution

New Mexico officials say they’re still at an ‘impasse’ with feds over spreading chromium plume

Los Alamos National Laboratory and federal Energy Department have not complied with February lawsuit demands, state says

August 18, 2026

New Mexico

Most of New Mexico’s oil-related water contamination in area around Chaco, advocate tells lawmakers

12 of 15 spills that impacted waterways in 2025 were in San Juan County

August 14, 2026

New Mexico

New Mexico initiates rulemaking on surface water pollution program

The Santa Fe River as an intermittent stream is one of 95% of New Mexico rivers that no longer qualify…

June 10, 2026

New Mexico

70-foot wastewater geyser reflects New Mexico’s latest oil field challenge

It’s a towering example of the contentious debate over what to do with the state’s ever-growing supply of oil field…

May 21, 2026

N.M. officials, advocates: Proposed changes to federal toxic chemical rules would hinder state laws

More than 250 environmental nonprofits, several unions and health care organizations sign letter opposing draft legislation

March 4, 2026

N.M. environment officials issue nearly $16 million fines to Los Alamos National Lab over legacy waste

State agency also expedites deadlines for LANL after ‘longstanding lack of urgency’

February 13, 2026

New Mexico officials, Mora residents say feds should respond to groundwater contamination

FEMA claims office has not said whether wildfire money can be used for wells

November 20, 2025

N.M. lawmakers say oil and gas wastewater rulemaking ‘tainted’ by politics

Environmental groups held a rally to share their concerns about the proposed oil and gas wastewater reuse rule on May…

November 3, 2025

N.M. officials release PFAS exposure survey for campers, hunters and anglers at Holloman Lake

Biologist says research shows contaminated waterfowl in the area

October 15, 2025

New Mexico governor puts finger on scale in oil field wastewater vote

Lujan Grisham appears to push commission to overturn its recent ruling barring the use of produced water outside the oil…

September 22, 2025

Dozens demand top N.M. environment official step down over produced water policy

NMED says it “respects the right to peaceful protest and public expression”

September 19, 2025

Luján pushes bipartisan bill to restore forests

Bill would triple the yearly funding for the Water Source Protection Program

September 4, 2025

New Mexico opens applications for $40 million to treat brackish water

Submissions for public entities and tribal government are due Sept. 8

August 28, 2025

N.M. to release $40 million for projects to treat brackish water

Plan is to treat salty waters in aquifers

August 21, 2025

New Mexico officials unveil first wave of improvements for Las Vegas water treatment facility

State stepped in to help fast-track project after recent floods, water shutoff

August 20, 2025

‘Forever chemicals’ detected in Clovis-area blood tests, New Mexico environmental officials say

Key finding of the study was the types of chemicals present

August 14, 2025

EPA activity releases sediment from Bonita Peak mine into Animas River tributary

Impacts were minimal, no adverse effects to water quality observed

August 14, 2025

Amid strong opposition, New Mexico water board lets plan for more oil and gas wastewater use proceed

25 Democratic lawmakers urged the commission to keep the current rule in place

August 13, 2025

25 New Mexico lawmakers oppose petition to allow oil and gas wastewater discharge

The commission recently prohibited such discharges

August 12, 2025

Bishop’s Lodge sues Tesuque nonprofit, asks judge to ban group’s protests by resort

An undated photo of a Protect Tesuque protest organized on Saturdays for the past several months. Courtesy of Protect Tesuquecca…

July 17, 2025

State hearings on Southern New Mexico water utility fines postponed

The utility is facing fines for arsenic levels

June 18, 2025

After state ID’d 140 deficient New Mexico water systems, 65 could still face fines for bad plans

State environment officials are looking at fines, penalties or other enforcement to address drinking water quality violations in a range…

October 17, 2024

N.M. Auditor says no evidence of misuse of $5.3M at troubled water utility

Environmental officials requested the investigation after a series of drinking water disasters

September 26, 2024

NM uses Gold King Mine spill settlement dollars to monitor watershed after federal dollars dried up

Water findings to come soon, despite staffing and data issues among states and Indigenous nations working to make sure Animas…

June 29, 2023