Serving the High Plains
Serving the High Plains
Residents of Powell Addition urged not to use well water until further notice.
City officials are urging residents living in the Powell Addition in Tucumcari not to use wells until further notice for domestic or livestock watering following a spill of sewage, and unidentified petroleum product.
Following Monday’s significant rainfall, the sewer lines near the intersection of Route 66 and Date Street overflowed causing a spill in the Powell Addition of the city, said City Manager Jared Langenegger.
Langenegger said along with sewage, an unknown amount of a so-far unidentified petroleum product was released. He said the spill has the potential to impact residents in the Powell Addition, which includes residents living west of U.S. Highway 54, north of Route 66, east of Date Street, and south of and adjacent to Laughlin Avenue. He said there is no indication city water services have been affected and at this point city water should be considered safe to drink.
“At this time, we do not know if the spill will have any effect on the surrounding wells,” Langenegger said. “The advisement not to use the wells is in the best interest of public safety until we can know the extent of the spills damage.”
Langenegger said affected residents who do not have access to city water may contact the city to make arrangements to fill water containers. He said until further notice, open flames and any activities which could cause sparks or ignition should be avoided in the impacted area.
Langenegger said the city is working closely with the New Mexico State Environment Department and the New Mexico State Police to identify the source of the petroleum product and the extent of the impact. He said officials from the State Environment Department are expected to be on scene later Tuesday.
Residents with questions or concerns may contact Jared Langenegger at 575-403-5669.