Over 500,000 gallons are lost every month to main line and systems leaks.
In May, there were 6 users on system 1 over 10,000 gals. Water abuser: 90,000 gals., 48,000 gals., 15,000 gals., 14,000 gals., 12,000 gals. and 10,000 gals. A total of 22 users exceeded 5,000 gals. System 1 is currently leaking 45% of its pumped water.
On system 2 there were 5 users over 10,000 gals. Water abusers: 31,000 gals., 13,500 gals., 13,000 gals., 12,000 gals., and 11,000 gals. A total of 11 users exceeded 5,000 gals. this month. It's not only high users, but the overall system leak rate continues to exceed acceptable norms for a water system. System 2 is currently leaking 52% of its pumped water.
Not only do we have to get our system infrastructure fixed, but water billing needs to be initiated to ensure conservation, responsibility and funding for current and future replacement.
The NMED has put out a bulletin of the drought conditions and how to protect the sustainability of drinking water sources.
"As a result of the combination of factors impacting drinking water production such as declining ground water levels, extreme drought conditions, and aging or leaking/failing infrastructure public water systems in New Mexico should take action now to prevent water shortages or outages in the summer months of 2018."
The tables are based on the monthly data provided on the SLPPOA website.