NEWS, A5
Gallup Sun VOL 11 | ISSUE 517
www.gallupsun.com
February 21, 2025 AI generated. Midjourney 5.2
FAMILY LEAVE ACT MOVES FORWARD
Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project
WATER PIPELINE DELAYS tration, is in m d a p u ll he Ga r are doing o y a m d n a , il counc er to ensure w o p ir e th in everything od water." o g g in tt e g e that we'r tti Jr. er Frank Chiape
"T
- City Manag
CITY TO DRILL FOR H2O UP UNTIL 2030 By Sunni Battin Sun Correspondent
G
roundwater depletion, an old water system, and a limited water supply are among the history of water problems in Gallup. But the solution could lie in a massive infrastructure project that started over a decade ago and has been extended until late 2029.
OBSTACLES IN THE WAY The city’s aging infrastructure is a major concern. The oldest as-built map that the city has is in its possession is from 1929 and is a hand drawn overall water and sewer map. The oldest water system in Gallup is located downtown near the railroad. While the infrastructure is old, Jan Boone, the city’s acting water and wastewater director, says the water is drinkable. “Currently, there is no issue with our water quality as we take bacteriological samples every two weeks and have not had any issues,” Boone said. Still, there are other water issues that have plagued the city. Groundwater depletion has been a concern, but Boone says it’s not Gallup, it’s happening elsewhere as well. The ever-growing demands of potable water and the slowing rate of recharge of aquifers from rain and snow from climate change is to blame. Another matter is the city’s 16 wells, which are supplied from two key underground aquifers, the DakotaWestwater and the Gallup Sandstone. While the city will continue to depend on the wells for water, the major obstacle per Boone is the “depletion of aquifers” that is supplying the city’s wells. Then there are the water outages. Boone says the frequency of the outages boils down to what kind of outage is occurring as well as a variety of other
factors. The unscheduled outages are water main breaks which Boone says the city has no control over regarding when and where. On the other hand, he says scheduled outages are due to regular maintenance. This can be for a subdivision and customer supply lines as just a few examples. In addition, the time that goes into to fi xing and repairing water outages can be a major factor. Boone says taking into account the role of other entities such as on call services and utilities and their time can delay getting water outages fi xed. Lastly, the work force for the water department has been somewhat of an obstacle and remains a central focus. Boone says there have been challenges in recruiting certified operators. As a result, trainee positions were created which has proven to be advantageous. “These hires were required to get certification through the New Mexico environment departments operator certification program within 18 months. The department’s effort is successful in getting training and the number of certified operators has grown,” Boone said.
WATER AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL With more than one water issue complicating the future water supply and accessibility for Gallup, a project called the Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project began more than 10 years ago, and for some has instilled hope and worry for others. Reclamation Four Corners Construction Office Manager and Construction Engineer Bart Deming says NGWSP is a critical project that will impact three communities. Once completed, [NGWSP] will convey a reliable municipal and industrial drinking water supply from the San Juan River to the eastern section of the Navajo Nation, southwestern portion of the Jicarilla Apache
Nation, and the City of Gallup via about 300 miles of water transmission pipeline, nineteen pumping plants, and two water treatment plants,” he said.
See WATER PROBLEMS, Page A5 Gallup Living Rentals
1116 Martinelli Gallup,NM 87301 2315 sq.ft. 4 bedrooms, 3 baths A Martinelli built home One owner home George: (509) 330-1951
Keller Williams Realty 309 Nizhoni Blvd. Gallup, NM 87301 Call Mike Mazel at (505) 519-6715 For further information: 309 E. Nizhoni Blvd. • Gallup, NM 87301
1102 Idaho Cir, Gallup, NM 87301 3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms 1,754 sq ft