Resident asks Rio Rancho to update water‑protection plan as rocket manufacturer eyes site

Steven Van Horn told the council the City of Rio Rancho's 2021 Source Water Protection Plan should be revisited given a proposed new industrial rocket manufacturer near the city. He said the plan (a 278‑page report) notes human sources of contamination and earlier findings that one large industrial customer "does not present a threat to the water supply," and he asked the governing body to consider an update that incorporates the new facility.

Van Horn noted that arroyos near the plant site drain toward Albuquerque and the river, but observed that Rio Rancho provides water to the area and could face culpability in the event of contamination. He asked the council — and specifically the new councilor — to review highlighted sections on violations and conclusions in the city's plan and consider commissioning an update.

Council accepted Van Horn's comments; no formal action was recorded. The mayor and staff thanked him for bringing the source-water concerns to the council's attention and for the document he provided.