Estancia has declared a state of emergency to solve worsening water shortage after years of low supply have reached a breaking point.
Officials said the town has been hauling in water from outside communities to fill local tanks. “They’re constantly hauling all day long, putting water inside our Well 4, which is our backup system,” Estancia Mayor Pro-Tem Albert Lovato said.
The issuance aims to stabilize water distribution as crews continue hauling water to meet household needs.
What Is In The Resolution?
Estancia’s governing body cited challenges that threaten the community’s water supply, including maintaining reserves and pressure needed for drinking water and fire protection. The resolution states that current operations under existing conditions risk, water shortages, service interruptions, inadequate fire suppression, and other threats to public safety.
The declaration gives Estancia’s mayor, town clerk, public works supervisor and other officials authority to impose emergency measures. Those include mandatory water conservation restrictions, limits on nonessential use, emergency procurement of equipment and contractors, and immediate repairs and infrastructure improvements.
Town leaders said the declaration also serves as a formal request for assistance from state and federal agencies to help address the worsening water crisis.
How Did The Issue Sparked?
The issue began with a water main break last month, significantly draining their tanks. However, just this Wednesday, the situation became critical, and the town officials realized they had to issue an emergency resolution.
“We got information that our level was at eight feet, which is almost an emergency,” Lovato said. “Once we realized it was at that level, that could very easily go down and be completely dry,” he added.
What Happens If Governor Approves?
If approved by the governor, the emergency declaration would allow the town to use state funding to haul additional water into local tanks to keep wells from running dry.
“Currently, we haven’t run out of water as far as coming out of the faucet,” resident Nathan Dial said. “But the pressure and rate is extremely slow. It used to be about 3 to 5 gallons a minute, 90 pounds of pressure. I’m guessing we’re probably at 1 to 2 gallons a minute with 30 pounds. So just enough to sustain a household.”
Dial said the town has already asked residents to stop all nonessential water use, including washing cars and watering grass. Still, he observed that the tap continues to weaken.
“I noticed the pressure about four weeks ago, and each day it’s a little less, a little less, a little less,” Dial said. “I have a misting system for my animals, and the water pressure is so low that it won’t kick on.”
“I have a misting system for my animals, and the water pressure is so low that it won’t kick on,” he added.
The Issue Didn’t Show Up Today
According to some residents, this issue has been ongoing for years. Estancia Deputy Clerk Roy said the pump has been pumping at too much capacity at 150 gallons per minute.
“Our pump is pumping at too much capacity, 150 gallons per minute right now, so it’s not allowing the well to replenish the water fast enough,” he said.
Meanwhile, the town submitted a request in August 2024 to the Water Trust Board for a state loan of a little over $4.5 million to fund a new well. The request was approved in September 2025.
However, when the conditions changed this Wednesday, they rushed the request. “We got an expedited timeline to receive that funding, hopefully by the middle of August to do the new well,” Hubbard said.
The new well will be smaller, but more efficient, running 24/7 at a lower gallon per minute to replenish tanks.
If things go out of hand, the town has an emergency plan where they’re ready to supply residents with bottled water while asking them to utilize their use.