Resident warns Rio Rancho council about wastewater treatment, PFAS and medication removal costs
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Summary
At the public forum a resident raised concerns about the city’s wastewater injection system, per‑ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) removal costs and the broader challenge of treating pharmaceuticals and other contaminants in wastewater.
At the Rio Rancho public forum, resident Van Horn urged councilors to consider answers he received from the mayor and to address long‑term water and wastewater challenges including issues with the city’s injection system and the high cost of removing PFAS (so‑called “forever chemicals”) and medications from wastewater.
Van Horn said he previously served on the city’s utilities commission and told the council he had submitted questions earlier that were later discussed with the mayor. He summarized the answers he heard, saying the city is aware of problems with “the injection system” and that the cost to make the system work is “significant.” He also warned that removing PFAS is “very high, very high” in cost and noted that the EPA has not set standards for certain contaminants such as medications because treatment costs are prohibitive.
Why it matters: Treatment and disposal of PFAS and pharmaceutical contaminants have become major topics for utilities nationwide. Van Horn asked councilors to consider the technical and fiscal implications for Rio Rancho’s water and wastewater systems as the city plans capital and operational budgets.
Council response and next steps: There was no formal action recorded on this public comment. Van Horn said he would email councilors the mayor’s responses and asked that they consider the materials before future decisions on water‑related planning.
