Board approves transfer of 40 Nucla water shares to town reservoir amid pump troubles

The Nucla Board of Trustees voted unanimously to move 40 shares of Nucla water into the town reservoir managed by the Mustang Water Authority for the current season, citing concerns about an unreliable river pump and the need to secure raw-water supplies.

The board approved the transfer after trustees discussed current operational limits and leasing arrangements. A trustee explained the 40 shares are the maximum Mustang Water Authority can request for the reservoir and said the allocation is intended to keep the system supplied while the town and partners finalize a longer-term raw-water plan.

Trustees warned the move is a temporary measure. One trustee said the town is “keeping up with demand right now” but that, without the river-run pump running consistently, allocations from Santa Rita and other lessors could limit availability later in the season.

Staff recommended coordinating the transfer with ongoing negotiations on a drought-contingency resolution and the pending Mustang Water Authority memorandum of agreement. Officials said they have proposed triggers and thresholds for drought stages but are still waiting on alignment with neighboring entities.

The board’s action was procedural: a motion was made, seconded and carried by roll call. Board members voting in favor included Penny, Tim, Joseph and Eileen; the vote tally listed by the clerk recorded the motion as carried.

The board directed staff to continue work with Mustang Water Authority and other partners to finalize drought triggers and to report back with any operational constraints that could affect reservoir levels or customer service.

What happens next: staff will pursue formal lease/tap confirmations with partners and continue technical work on the pump and contingency triggers; any further contractual changes will return to the board for approval.