Las Vegas Completes Drinking Water, Wastewater Upgrades After Wildfires

The City of Las Vegas, New Mexico, has received significant upgrades to its drinking water and wastewater systems through a collaboration with the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) to aid recovery from the Calf Canyon-Hermits Peak Fire and subsequent flooding. Improvements include new water transmission lines, pretreatment systems, upgraded filtration, debris removal from the Gallinas River, sediment pond construction, and enhanced wastewater vacuum systems to improve water quality and system reliability. Despite these efforts, the 2025 Consumer Confidence Report showed that while most water contaminants met state regulations, levels of trihalomethanes, a byproduct of water treatment, were above average, prompting the city to notify residents. These upgrades are designed to prevent future contamination and flooding risks and ensure safe and reliable drinking water for families and businesses. NMED and the City of Las Vegas continue to plan further improvements, including constructing a new water treatment plant in 2026. The coordinated efforts emphasize the use of the latest technology and infrastructure enhancements to safeguard the community's water supply.