USDA approves funds to improve three water systems

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved funds for the improvement of three water projects for La Union, Lake Roberts, and Brazito communities in the southern part of New Mexico.

The awarded loans will be used to improve water systems, filter chemical contents, and upgrade water distribution systems.

USDA rural development state director Terry Brunner said the funds will help three colonies upgrade needed infrastructure for the water systems.

"Water is the lifeblood of our communities and our New Mexico colonias have an especially difficult time developing the necessary infrastructure to deliver clean water to their residents," Brunner added.

USDA has approved a loan of $44,000 for The Lake Roberts Water Users Association to upgrade a 35-year old water system.
The Association will also get a Colonias grant of $795,300 for the project to upgrade and extend the existing distribution system, to construct a new water storage tank, and to drill a new well.

The La Union Mutual Domestic Sewer & Water Association will get $121,000 loan from USDA and a grant of $1,092,274 from the Colonias to purchase equipment that will filter the arsenic content found in the drinking water.

The Brazito Mutual Domestic Water Consumers Association completed the upgradation of the existing water system after it received a loan of $172,000 from USDA and Colonias grant of $547,219.

The Association is also planning to use a part of the fund to install an emergency, interconnect point which can be used in case of pump failure or deteriorated quality of water.

The interconnect point will supply water from Lower Rio Grande Public Water Works Authority in case of an emergency.

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Image: Funds will be used to build a new water storage tank and to drill a new well. Photo: Vinmax.