{"id":7,"date":"2025-12-04T17:22:59","date_gmt":"2025-12-05T00:22:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.env.nm.gov\/morasanmigueltaos-pws\/home-page\/"},"modified":"2026-01-22T16:47:55","modified_gmt":"2026-01-22T23:47:55","slug":"home-page","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.env.nm.gov\/morasanmigueltaos-pws\/","title":{"rendered":"Private Well Water Testing for Mora, San Miguel and Taos Counties, NM"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The New Mexico Environment Department is conducting testing in the burn scar from Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon Wildfire<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.env.nm.gov\/morasanmigueltaos-pws\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/48\/2025\/12\/HPCCBurnScar-791x1024.jpg\" alt=\"map of burn scar\" class=\"wp-image-55\" style=\"width:518px;height:auto\" title=\"Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon Fire Burn Scar\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) is offering free sampling of private groundwater wells for heavy metals and other contaminants recently found in the burn scar of the Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon Wildfire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Groundwater wells used for drinking water can be sampled at no cost to private well owners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Sampling will be scheduled on a rolling basis based on staffing, funding and well locations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Sampling will start on Dec. 15, 2025 and continue through April 2026 as funding allows. NMED will provide private well owners with their results following analysis by a certified laboratory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">To sign up to have your private well tested, fill out our form by clicking the button below. Only residents of Mora, San Miguel, and Taos counties are eligible for testing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-16018d1d wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-luminous-vivid-amber-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-medium-font-size has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.env.nm.gov\/morasanmigueltaos-pws\/mora-san-miguel-and-taos-county-private-well-sampling-form\/\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:600\">Request Private Well Sampling<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-16018d1d wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-luminous-vivid-amber-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-medium-font-size has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.env.nm.gov\/morasanmigueltaos-pws\/contact-us\/\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:700\">Contact Us<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Multiple agencies from across the state have put together frequently asked questions to help guide private well owners within the Mora, San Miguel, and Taos County areas. <\/p>\n\n\n<div class='nmenv_accordion'><div class='nmenv_accordion_item level_0'><div class='nmenv_accordion_item_title'><i class='fas fa-chevron-right' aria-hidden='true'><\/i><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where is NMED conducting private well sampling?<\/h2><\/div><div class='nmenv_accordion_item_body'>\n\n\n\n<p>NMED is prioritizing well sampling near the Hermit\u2019s Peak\/Calf Canyon wildfire burn scar area and a one-mile buffer around it. The map on NMED\u2019s website shows this geographic area. This area includes portions of Taos, Mora, and San Miguel counties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div><\/div><div class='nmenv_accordion_item level_0'><div class='nmenv_accordion_item_title'><i class='fas fa-chevron-right' aria-hidden='true'><\/i><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is NMED sampling private wells used for all purposes?<\/h2><\/div><div class='nmenv_accordion_item_body'>\n\n\n\n<p>NMED is prioritizing sampling for domestic wells. This is to ensure the domestic use of water in households is as safe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div><\/div><div class='nmenv_accordion_item level_0'><div class='nmenv_accordion_item_title'><i class='fas fa-chevron-right' aria-hidden='true'><\/i><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is the source of the contamination affecting the wells in my area? Are the fire suppressants used during the wildfire the source?<\/h2><\/div><div class='nmenv_accordion_item_body'>\n\n\n\n<p>NMED is working with other state agencies to determine the source of this potential contamination. The current focus right now is to help residents test the water quality of their wells.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Click on the icons below for factsheets on select contaminants:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/service.web.env.nm.gov\/urls\/EjVmqrWR\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-91\" style=\"width: 100px\" src=\"https:\/\/www.env.nm.gov\/morasanmigueltaos-pws\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/48\/2026\/01\/antimony-eng.png\" alt=\"Antimony factsheet (eng)\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/service.web.env.nm.gov\/urls\/nHLEHGFb\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-71\" style=\"width: 100px\" src=\"https:\/\/www.env.nm.gov\/morasanmigueltaos-pws\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/48\/2026\/01\/antimonio.png\" alt=\"antimony factsheet link (esp)\"><\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/service.web.env.nm.gov\/urls\/oZkIHeYj\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-70\" style=\"width: 100px\" src=\"https:\/\/www.env.nm.gov\/morasanmigueltaos-pws\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/48\/2026\/01\/arsenic.png\" alt=\"arsenic factsheet link (eng)\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/service.web.env.nm.gov\/urls\/ZjMfaXdw\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-69\" style=\"width: 100px\" src=\"https:\/\/www.env.nm.gov\/morasanmigueltaos-pws\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/48\/2026\/01\/arsenico.png\" alt=\"arsenic factsheet link (esp)\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/service.web.env.nm.gov\/urls\/MkzaqdBu\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-68\" style=\"width: 100px\" src=\"https:\/\/www.env.nm.gov\/morasanmigueltaos-pws\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/48\/2026\/01\/barium.png\" alt=\"barium factsheet link (eng)\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/service.web.env.nm.gov\/urls\/HwDDyOWu\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-67\" style=\"width: 100px\" src=\"https:\/\/www.env.nm.gov\/morasanmigueltaos-pws\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/48\/2026\/01\/bario.png\" alt=\"barium factsheet link (esp)\"><\/a><br><a href=\"https:\/\/service.web.env.nm.gov\/urls\/OxxqurJr\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-80\" style=\"width: 100px\" src=\"https:\/\/www.env.nm.gov\/morasanmigueltaos-pws\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/48\/2026\/01\/cadmium.png\" alt=\"cadmium factsheet link (eng)\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/service.web.env.nm.gov\/urls\/YzGFpjhn\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-79\" style=\"width: 100px\" src=\"https:\/\/www.env.nm.gov\/morasanmigueltaos-pws\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/48\/2026\/01\/cadmio.png\" alt=\"cadmium factsheet link (esp)\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/service.web.env.nm.gov\/urls\/GNaGCTpm\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-78\" style=\"width: 100px\" src=\"https:\/\/www.env.nm.gov\/morasanmigueltaos-pws\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/48\/2026\/01\/iron.png\" alt=\"iron factsheet link (eng)\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/service.web.env.nm.gov\/urls\/heGIEvgT\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-77\" style=\"width: 100px\" src=\"https:\/\/www.env.nm.gov\/morasanmigueltaos-pws\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/48\/2026\/01\/hierro.png\" alt=\"iron factsheet link (esp)\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/service.web.env.nm.gov\/urls\/WQFzLXVX\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-76\" style=\"width: 100px\" src=\"https:\/\/www.env.nm.gov\/morasanmigueltaos-pws\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/48\/2026\/01\/manganese.png\" alt=\"manganese factsheet link (eng)\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/service.web.env.nm.gov\/urls\/epmPPxoP\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-75\" style=\"width: 100px\" src=\"https:\/\/www.env.nm.gov\/morasanmigueltaos-pws\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/48\/2026\/01\/manganeso.png\" alt=\"manganese factsheet link (esp)\"><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div><\/div><div class='nmenv_accordion_item level_0'><div class='nmenv_accordion_item_title'><i class='fas fa-chevron-right' aria-hidden='true'><\/i><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is it okay to use my well water for drinking and bathing?<\/h2><\/div><div class='nmenv_accordion_item_body'>\n\n\n\n<p>The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) is advising private well owners in or near the burn scar area to avoid consuming their water due to elevated levels of heavy metals recently found in the area\u2019s groundwater. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Residents can decrease their exposure by using bottled water when possible. Boiling water will not remove metals from water and can increase the metals\u2019 concentrations as water evaporates. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Out of an abundance of caution, NMDOH and NMED have advised using alternate sources of water for household use such as toothbrushing and dishwashing, though health effects from the currently reported levels are not expected in the short term but rather over years of consumption. Use of well water for bathing and showering is safe at the currently reported levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>NMDOH strongly encourages private well owners in the burn scar area to have their well water tested to better understand individual risk level and ability to use well water for consumption and household purposes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div><\/div><div class='nmenv_accordion_item level_0'><div class='nmenv_accordion_item_title'><i class='fas fa-chevron-right' aria-hidden='true'><\/i><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are the recommended treatment options and where can I buy them?<\/h2><\/div><div class='nmenv_accordion_item_body'>\n\n\n\n<p>Recommended water treatment options will depend on individual well water testing results. Whole-house reverse osmosis systems are recommended as the most protective system to reduce exposure to contaminants. More information about these types of systems is available on EPA\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/watersense\/point-use-reverse-osmosis-systems?fbclid=IwY2xjawObMpZleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFEOUE4czBTZ2Znb0dhQ2g3c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHoiUd5_f6f8DJWsbrYHKdhOk64vnrQXMDiYgAppHu7L2QpNxdnHe3LEn7ZwL_aem_V5hPM99kGA8uWEhcR-GULg\">Point of Use Reverse Osmosis System webpage<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div><\/div><div class='nmenv_accordion_item level_0'><div class='nmenv_accordion_item_title'><i class='fas fa-chevron-right' aria-hidden='true'><\/i><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are the health effects of the heavy metals NMED is sampling for?<\/h2><\/div><div class='nmenv_accordion_item_body'>\n\n\n\n<p>The New Mexico Department of Health\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/nmtracking.doh.nm.gov\/contentfile\/pdf\/environment\/water\/HPCC_FactSheet_2025.pdf\">fact sheet on heavy metals in Mora County<\/a> gives an overview of health effects. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div><\/div><div class='nmenv_accordion_item level_0'><div class='nmenv_accordion_item_title'><i class='fas fa-chevron-right' aria-hidden='true'><\/i><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is the state of New Mexico providing residents with bottled water?<\/h2><\/div><div class='nmenv_accordion_item_body'>\n\n\n\n<p>The state is providing drinking water to residents. Drinking water is available for pickup Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Mora County Courthouse, 1 Courthouse Dr., Mora, N.M. 87732. Residents will need to bring containers to fill up using the self-serve water tank.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div><\/div><div class='nmenv_accordion_item level_0'><div class='nmenv_accordion_item_title'><i class='fas fa-chevron-right' aria-hidden='true'><\/i><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is NMED providing treatment equipment?<\/h2><\/div><div class='nmenv_accordion_item_body'>\n\n\n\n<p>NMED is only sampling wells and not providing treatment equipment at this time. Disaster case managers from the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) are available to assist residents with recovery resources, including help with Claim\u2019s Office paperwork to request compensation for treatment. Those interested can call (505) 670-4662 for assistance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div><\/div><div class='nmenv_accordion_item level_0'><div class='nmenv_accordion_item_title'><i class='fas fa-chevron-right' aria-hidden='true'><\/i><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why is NMED sampling for PFAS in this area?<\/h2><\/div><div class='nmenv_accordion_item_body'>\n\n\n\n<p>NMED is sampling for PFAS in addition to heavy metals to be consistent with statewide efforts on PFAS identification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div><\/div><div class='nmenv_accordion_item level_0'><div class='nmenv_accordion_item_title'><i class='fas fa-chevron-right' aria-hidden='true'><\/i><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are the health effects of PFAS?<\/h2><\/div><div class='nmenv_accordion_item_body'>\n\n\n\n<p>PFAS are a group of manufactured chemicals that have been used since 1940 in industry and consumer products, including firefighting foam. Surveys conducted by CDC show that most people in the United States have been exposed to at least some PFAS, which can accumulate in the body over time. Most known exposures are relatively low, but some can be high, particularly when people are exposed to a concentrated source over long periods of time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>PFAS exposure has been linked to various health issues, though research is still ongoing. Studies have linked PFAS to a variety of health effects including increased cholesterol levels, risk of obesity, decreased fertility or increased high blood pressure in pregnant women, developmental delays in children, increased risk of certain cancers, and reduced ability to fight infections. However, health effects will vary by individual depending on many factors including level, length, and type of exposure, as well as individual risk factors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div><\/div><div class='nmenv_accordion_item level_0'><div class='nmenv_accordion_item_title'><i class='fas fa-chevron-right' aria-hidden='true'><\/i><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When should we seek medical attention?<\/h2><\/div><div class='nmenv_accordion_item_body'>\n\n\n\n<p>While NMDOH does not anticipate immediate health effects from well water at the current contaminant levels, the department recommends seeking medical care when individuals are not feeling well or have health concerns.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The New Mexico Environment Department is conducting testing in the burn scar from Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon Wildfire The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) is offering free sampling of private groundwater wells for heavy metals and other contaminants recently found in the burn scar of the Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon Wildfire. Groundwater wells used for drinking water [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":14,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"full_width.php","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-7","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.env.nm.gov\/morasanmigueltaos-pws\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/7","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.env.nm.gov\/morasanmigueltaos-pws\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.env.nm.gov\/morasanmigueltaos-pws\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.env.nm.gov\/morasanmigueltaos-pws\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/14"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.env.nm.gov\/morasanmigueltaos-pws\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/www.env.nm.gov\/morasanmigueltaos-pws\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/7\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":22,"href":"https:\/\/www.env.nm.gov\/morasanmigueltaos-pws\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/7\/revisions\/22"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.env.nm.gov\/morasanmigueltaos-pws\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}