[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 129 (Sunday, October 10, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1861]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




THE CHIMAYO WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM AND ESPANOLA FILTRATION FACILITY ACT OF 
                                  2004

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TOM UDALL

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 7, 2004

  Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 
2511, the Chimayo Water Supply System and Espanola Filtration Facility 
Act of 2004. Both of these communities located in my district are in 
dire need of improvements to their water facilities and I am pleased 
that the House is acting today to address the needs.
  The unincorporated community of Chimayo, home to 3,000 citizens and 
the world-famous Santuario de Chimayo, currently relies on individual 
wells for their potable water. They also are forced to rely on largely 
deteriorated septic sysgtems to dispose of wasterwater. The absence or 
deterioration of sewer and water infrastructure in the region results 
in 75 percent of well samples taken having significant contamination. 
Also, because of the unreliability of the well water, some residents 
use free-flowing water from irrigation ditches for drinking, also 
containing high levels of different types of contamination. This 
situation is so badly in need of remedy, that in 2001 the region was 
declared an emergency area and required National Guard tanker trucks to 
bring potable water to the area. Still today Chimayo remains an 
emergency area.
  To address this situation, S. 2511 directs the Secretary of Interior, 
in cooperation with State and local authorities to conduct a 
feasibility study of constructing a water supply system for Chamayo. In 
conducting the feasibility study, the Secretary is to consider various 
options for supplying water, long-term operation and maintenance costs, 
and local water resources. The bill would also direct the Secretary to 
provide emergency water assistance to Chimayo, which may include water 
treatment, installation of an emergency water supply system and 
installation of transmission and distribution lines.
  Similarly in need of improved water infrastructure is the City of 
Espanola. Currently the City's water system produces approximately 
1,000 gallons per minute less than is needed to provide for its current 
population. This production shortfall has resulted in inadequate water 
pressure throughout the city. The chronic lack of pressure is prevalent 
especially in the portion of the City where the Espanola Hospital is 
located. The City has twice declared a state of emergency due to lack 
of adequate water and water pressure, and has been forced to call on 
the National Guard to supply water to the hospital.
  S. 2511 authorizes the Secretary of Interior to provide financial 
assistance to the City of Espanola for the construction of a water 
filtration facility, and to the nearby Pueblos of Santa Clara and San 
Juan for related infrastructure.
  Mr. Speaker, both of these communities will greatly benefit from this 
legislation. I urge my colleagues to support passage of this bill, and 
I would like to thank the two New Mexico Senators for their work on 
this bill.

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