Water Contamination Assistance:
Funding is available to those impacted by the following disasters:
- DR4652 - Colfax, Lincoln, San Miguel, Mora and Valencia Counties in 2022 (Hermit’s Peak)
- DR4795 - Lincoln, Otero, Rio Arriba and San Juan Counties and Mescalero Apache in 2024
- DR4843 - Chaves County in 2024
Individuals who experienced water contamination issues in Mora County and throughout the Hermit’s Peak burn scar because of the fire or in Chavez County because of the floods may be eligible to apply for funding to make repairs or install a treatment system. This funding is managed by the USDA Rural Development Single Family Housing Disaster Grant program and you must meet certain income requirements which have been recently raised. It is separate from the Hermit’s Peak claims process.
To apply:
If you already have an NMED provided private water well test that shows a primary maximum contaminant level (MCL) exceedance you can apply directly to USDA Rural Development New Mexico at 505-761-4950 or www.rd.usda.gov/nm.
Note: Please know that you may also contact NMED for assistance in finding information on the best type of repairs to make or filtration systems to purchase with any funding you receive.
If you rely on a private well for drinking water and it is located within the Hermits Peak–Calf Canyon burn scar, and you have concerns about potential contamination, you can register for a private well water test by visiting the New Mexico Environment Department’s HPCC webpage at https://www.env.nm.gov/morasanmigueltaos-pws/. You may also register by calling the NMED HPCC Hotline at 1‑505‑841‑MORA (1‑505‑841‑6672) and leaving a message.
