Bernalillo County Commissioners approved a resolution during their Aug. 13 regular meeting, to dedicate $2.5 million from the Bernalillo County General Fund balance as a local match to support the Carnuel Water and Wastewater Project Water Trust Board’s grant application. The resolution was sponsored by Vice Chair Eric Olivas.
The measure is part of a joint effort of the county and the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority (ABCWUA) to expand water and sewer services into the Carnuel community in response to a public health and environmental concern.
The historic community is one of the seven original land grants in the county. As a result of its development, the area is currently served primarily through water wells and septic systems which are past their useful life. Some areas have shown high nitrate concentrations in the groundwater due to aging or failed septic systems.
In coordination with the ABCWUA, Bernalillo County will provide $2.5 million to be used as leverage funding to support the grant applications for the Carnuel Water and Wastewater Project to the State Water Trust Board.
“Currently, most households in Carnuel use wells, many of which are going dry or producing water that is not safe to drink. Most homes in the community have septic tanks that are aging and failing, leeching contaminants into the water and the environment,” said Olivas in a press release. “This funding will help bring clean water and sewer service to a historic community in Bernalillo County and greatly improve the resident’s quality of life, health, and safety.”
The resolution was passed in a unanimous vote.