The New Mexico Environment Department lifted the precautionary water advisory for Ruidoso's Water System on August 5, 2024, marking a recovery milestone after the South Fork and Salt Fires. Initially issued on June 18, 2024, the advisory's removal reflects collaboration between NMED and Ruidoso. Other affected systems, such as Tall Pines and Cedar Creek, remain under advisory. Contact NMED for more information.

The Village of Ruidoso has enacted Ordinance 2024-04, amending Chapter 86 of the Municipal Code to update water rates and utility regulations. Effective immediately, this ordinance introduces new rates for residential and commercial water use, addresses payment locations and delinquency procedures, and outlines penalties for unauthorized water use. These changes are based on a comprehensive study to ensure sustainable water management and cover increased utility operation costs. 

The NMED Drinking Water Bureau has lifted additional precautionary drinking water advisories for parts of the Ruidoso Water System and the entire Alto Lakes Water & Sanitation District. However, advisories remain in place for certain areas, including Tall Pines Water Association, Cedar Creek, Alpine Village, and Gavilan Hills Water System. For more details, contact Brandi Littleton at 575-323-4298.

All areas previously under Exclusion Zones in Ruidoso are now open to residents. Upper Canyon may experience low water pressure. Flash floods and landslides are still possible, so immediate evacuation is required if called. Numerous hazards, including downed and falling trees, remain. Exercise caution and stay informed through the South Fork Fire Information Hub. Your safety is our top priority.

The New Mexico Environment Department has partially lifted the precautionary water advisory for Ruidoso and surrounding areas, including the Ruidoso Water System and several local establishments. The advisory remains in place for other areas, such as Cedar Creek and Alpine Village. For detailed information, contact Brandi Littleton at 575-323-4298. NMED ensures no discrimination in its programs and activities.

Join us for weekly tailgate meetings to address community questions or concerns relevant to the Ruidoso Sewer Line Interceptor Project.

When: Every Tuesday at 4:30 p.m.

Where: Main Road Bridge 2, corner of Main Road and Fox Drive

Why: To Address Questions and/or Concerns

Who: Everyone is welcome.

Heavy Civil Construction company, AUI Inc. will begin construction on the Hazard Mitigation project in the Location 8A area on October 3, 2022. This work includes reconstructing the existing 8” sanitary sewer line from 121 Singing Pine Rd to 113 Singing Pine Rd. As part of the sewer line replacement and protection, AUI will construct a floodwall along the length and encase the new sewer line in concrete. As part of the reconstruction, the existing concrete encased manhole near 121 Singing Pine Rd. will be removed and replaced. Construction at this location is expected to take a bit over eleven (11) weeks to be performed and is anticipated to run from October 3, 2022, to December 20, 2022.

RUIDOSO, NM – September 16, 2022 – J. Aimone Associates, a subcontractor for AUI Inc., will be performing the required digital video recording for the Village of Ruidoso’s Hazard Mitigation phase in the Upper and Middle Canyon areas beginning Friday, September 23 through Sunday, September 25, 2022.

Survey crews will be working for the Village of Ruidoso to support the construction of the Hazard Mitigation phase in the Upper Canyon area beginning on Monday, August 8, 2022. Current survey work will be limited to the area along the river between 627 Main Road and 828 Main Road.

After a wildfire, private wells can be contaminated and unsafe to use for drinking water and other purposes. If you are a private well owner, the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) and New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) will provide FREE private well water quality testing on Saturday, May 7, 2022, from 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM at the Ruidoso Swimming Pool, 515 Sudderth Drive, Ruidoso, NM 88345. Those affected by the fire will have the opportunity to get their water tested for bacteria as follows…

Wachs Water Services will be doing leak detection work on Grindstone Canyon Road, First and Second Streets, and Meander Drive. Please look for signs indicating work area and approach with caution at a very slow speed.

Village residents can expect work to continue on the Ruidoso Sewer Project Beginning on March 21, 2022, crews from SAK Construction will be performing maintenance on sewer lines within the area of Fern Trail in the Village of Ruidoso. The work will continue through April 27, 2022. This construction is weather dependent and therefore subject to change.

Wachs Water Services will be doing leak detection work in the Grindstone Canyon Road area, including all side roads during the week of Feb. 28 - Mar. 4, 2022. Please look for signs indicating work area and approach with caution at a very slow speed.

NM Environmental Department contractors will be plugging and abandoning 17 monitoring wells and drilling 3 new monitoring wells in and around Reese Drive from the Sudderth Drive intersection to the Horton Complex. Work is to begin on Monday, January 31, 2022, through February 11, 2022. Watch for drilling crews working. Approach with caution

This resource sheet provides information on the value and use of establishing vegetation on streambanks to stabilize the soil and slow erosion.

This presentation by Molzen Corbin is meant to guide you through the tree removal and revegetation process of the Ruidoso Sewer Project Hazard Mitigation Phase.

A public meeting is scheduled for January 19, 2022, at 6:00 PM to discuss the Ruidoso Sewer Line Hazard Mitigation and Stabilization Phase. The meeting will be held at Village Hall located at 313 Cree Meadows Drive. A Zoom link is also available for anyone who wishes to attend virtually.