Eastern New Mexico water project advances; officials report multi‑phase pipeline, treatment and pump‑station work

City staff and regional utility officials briefed the commission on progress and next steps for the Eastern New Mexico Water Utility Authority project, describing construction activity across multiple pipeline segments, work on pump stations and treatment facilities, and funding developments.

A staff presentation summarized the current workstreams: raw water pipeline construction in multiple phases (including a 14‑mile segment from the reservoir toward the Caprock), work on a 1,700‑foot tunnel and 350‑foot bore to cross the Caprock with minimal surface disturbance, and nearing completion of finished‑water pipeline segments. Officials said raw water 3 was under active construction and that contractors are installing 42‑inch welded steel pipe in long joints delivered on trucks.

On treatment and facilities, the update said a pilot reverse‑osmosis treatment plant installed at the reservoir intake is slated to begin treatment in October, subject to peer review of process design. Staff said the 28‑MGD intake pump station and a 28‑MGD Caprock pump station are ready for bidding pending funding. Bridal lateral work and several pump and lateral upgrades are in design.

Funding and timing: Officials said the Bureau of Reclamation unexpectedly amended the project grant with an additional $10 million for FY2025, increasing available funds. The staff presentation also described an application to the State Water Trust Board for $24.3 million for the next set of work. Officials characterized the project as “nearing 90% design” on many phases and outlined that the remaining large pipe segments (raw water 1b and raw water 2) are the next funding priorities to put to bid.

Why it matters: The multi‑phase project is intended to deliver treated water for communities in Curry and Roosevelt counties and to support future regional development. Officials said efficient construction methods (including tunneling through the Caprock rather than trenching) were chosen to limit environmental disturbance.

Next steps: Staff said they will set bid dates, continue work on design to 90% where needed, bring funding applications before state and federal boards, and begin pilot plant operations. A ceremonial groundbreaking was mentioned for Raw Water 3 scheduled for Oct. 22.

Ending: Officials described the project as “the gold standard” for the state and said completed segments are running under budget, freeing funds to apply to remaining phases.