Sanitary Projects Act
Background
Many of New Mexico's water systems are formed as Mutual Domestic Water Consumers Associations (MDWCAs), a unique organization authorized by the Sanitary Projects Act. There are approximately 220 MDWCAs spread throughout the State. MDWCAs were first authorized by the State Legislature in 1947 as a solution to a public health crisis, the hazardous practices of use of water from ditches, rivers, and shallow wells. While the Act was successful in bringing safe drinking water to rural New Mexico, much of the language was outdated, irrelevant or inapplicable.
The New Mexico Legislature revised the Sanitary Projects Act in the 2006 Regular Session. The new version of the Act is posted below, and an update sheet incorporating the latest information from the State regarding MDWCAs.
Sanitary Projects Act downloads
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Draft Board Training Rules for MDWCAs |
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Sanitary Projects Act - Revised 2006 |
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Updates for Mutual Domestic Water Associations |
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Procurement Flowchart for Mutual Domestic Water Associations |
NMED Rule Making for Sanitary Projects Act
The New Mexico Environment Department has formulated rules for the newly revised Sanitary Projects Act. These rules will affect Mutual Domestic Water Consumers Associations created under the Sanitary Projects Act. The draft rule incorporates comments and suggestions received at the Sevilleta workshop and emails afterwards. A public hearing has been scheduled for January 7, 2008 at 9:00 AM in the Marquez Building Training Room at 525 Camino de los Marquez in Santa Fe. A formal public notice will be published in the paper and appear in the State Register. Please spread the word.
A copy of the draft rules is available above.
You may provide written comments prior to the hearing or appear in person to testify before the hearing officer. The draft rule is attached for you review. Your comments should be directed to the hearing officer -
Felicia Orth
New Mexico Environment Department
1190 St. Francis Drive, Room N-2150
P.O. Box 26110
Santa Fe, NM 87502
Question regarding transmittal of comments may be addressed to the Hearing Officer's clerk, Sally Worthington, at the same address or by telephone at 505-827-2002. After conclusion of the hearing, the Hearing Office may elect to hold the record open or close it. The Hearing Office will make a recommendation regarding adoption of the proposed rule to Secretary Curry for his action.