Watch this page for meeting notices, notices about your drinking water, and other time-sensitive information. The documents provided on this website are for informational purposes and the official copy of records can be found at the Mesquite office of the Lower Rio Grande Public Water Works Authority.

NOTE: There is currently a great deal of information here about Covid relief programs.  Keep scrolling down the page to find our meeting notices and information from the Lower Rio Grande PWWA.

You will find our Inspection of Public Record Policy on our Documents page.

You can find all of our financial audits here: NM Office of the State Auditor

   

           

USPS to Implement New Service Standards for First-Class Mail and Periodicals on 10/1

Sept. 17, 2021

On October 1, the Postal Service will implement new service standards for First-Class Mail and Periodicals. These new service standards will increase delivery reliability, consistency, and efficiency for our customers and across our network.

Most First-Class Mail (61 percent) and Periodicals (93 percent) will be unaffected by the new service standard changes. Standards for single-piece First-Class Mail traveling within a local area will continue to be two days.

The Postal Service will increase time‐in‐transit standards by 1 or 2 days for certain mail that are traveling longer distances. By doing so, the Postal Service can entrust its ground network to deliver more First-Class Mail, which will lead to greater consistency, reliability, and efficiency that benefits its customers.

The service standard changes are part of our balanced and comprehensive Delivering for America Strategic Plan and will improve service reliability and predictability for customers and enhance the efficiency of the Postal Service network. The service standard changes that we have determined to implement are a necessary step towards achieving our goal of consistently meeting 95 percent service performance.

SPECTRUM INTERNET® ASSIST

Affordable, reliable high-speed Internet access for qualifying households

Spectrum Internet Assist is a low-cost, high-speed broadband service that provides qualifying households with Internet service for $17.99 per month.

To qualify for Spectrum Internet Assist, a member of the household must be a recipient of one of the following programs:

• The National School Lunch Program (NSLP); free or reduced-cost lunch
• The Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) of the NSLP
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) (age 65 and over only)

Programs that do not qualify for Spectrum Internet Assist: Social Security Disability
(SSD), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), and Social Security Retirement
and Survivor Benefits are different from Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and do
NOT meet eligibility requirements.

For more information download the flyer:

DAC Spectrum Internet Assist Takeway Flyer August 2020 ENGLISH

DAC Spectrum Interner Assit TakeawayFlyer August 2020 SPANISH

DOÑA ANA COUNTY RECEIVES $9.3 MILLION FOR RENTAL AND UTILITIES RELIEF

Doña Ana County received a $9.3 million grant from the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) to assist local residents who have been impacted by COVID-19.  This money is available for county residents including those within the municipalities of the cities of Las Cruces, Sunland Park and Anthony, the Village of Hatch and the Town of Mesilla.  The grant covers rent and utility payments.  It does not cover mortgage payments.

The funds must be committed no later than September 30, 2021, the end of the federal fiscal year.  Any funds not committed by that date must be returned to the federal government.  Both renters and landlords can take advantage of this grant.  There are specific criteria for the funding.  Households with an income that does not exceed 80% of area median income as defined by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) are eligible.  That means $43,900 annual income for a family of four.

Proof of financial hardship due directly or indirectly to the COVID-19 pandemic is also required.  This could be proof of unemployment insurance or loss of income, or other financial hardship that threatens the household’s ability to pay rent or utilities.

Please click on the links below for the ERA guidelines, tenant application, landlord application and utility assistance application.  Online Applications in English and Spanish will be available soon.

April 8, 2021

CRITERIA FOR EMERGENCY RENTAL ASSISTANCE EXPANDS

Doña Ana County Manager Fernando R. Macias announced that the criteria to qualify for help from the Emergency Rent and Utilities Assistance Program is now expanded to include mobile home lot rent and rent-to-own payments.

“This expansion includes help with rental payments for people who pay rent for the lot their mobile home is on or rent-to-own their homes,” Macias said.  “We understand residents throughout Doña Ana County may need help and we are proud to offer this assistance.  We want both landlords and people who rent and need help to call or visit our website and let us help.”

There is urgency for individuals to apply now, because of time limits to expend the funds. Sixty-five percent of the federal funds awarded to the County or $6.01 million need to be spent or encumbered by Sept. 30, 2021. Otherwise, the County and the community may see some of the unspent funds reverted to the federal government. As of April 7, the County has spent $508,527.

Any Doña Ana County resident who rents can apply for this program. Landlords can also initiate applications for their tenants.

Income eligibility requirements remain the same for this program.  For example, eligible households have an income that does not exceed 80% of area median income, as defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, HUD, which is $43,900 in annual income for a family of four.  Proof of financial hardship caused by the pandemic is required.  It may be proof of unemployment insurance or loss of income, or other financial hardship that threatens the household’s ability to pay rent or rental utilities.

  • Rental dwelling must be located in Doña Ana County, including all cities, towns and villages in the county.
  • Rent (up to 15 months);
  • Rent-to-own payments;
  • Up to 12 months of renter’s utilities;
  • Mobile home lot rent;
  • The funds DO NOT need to be repaid.
  • If someone is hesitating to apply due to their citizenship status…Citizenship does not matter. The information provided through the application is confidential and cannot be shared (including with federal law enforcement agencies) without the individual’s consent.

For more information about Doña Ana County’s Emergency Rent and Utilities Assistance Program, please visit www.donaanacounty.org.

For Tenant

For Landlord

For more information about Doña Ana County go to  https://www.donaanacounty.org/rent-utilities-assistance

https://www.fema.gov/disasters/coronavirus/economic/funeral-assistance

FEMA Advisory

FEMA to Help Pay Funeral Costs for COVID-19-related Deaths

In early April, FEMA will begin providing financial assistance for funeral expenses incurred after Jan. 20, 2020 for deaths related to coronavirus (COVID-19) to help ease some of the financial stress and burden caused by the pandemic. The policy was finalized today, and FEMA is now moving rapidly to implement this funeral assistance program nationwide.

To be eligible for COVID-19 funeral assistance, the policy states:

  • The applicant must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien who incurred funeral expenses after Jan. 20, 2020 for a death attributed to COVID-19.
  • If multiple individuals contributed toward funeral expenses, they should apply under a single application as applicant and co-applicant. FEMA will also consider documentation from other individuals not listed as the applicant and co-applicant who may have incurred funeral expenses as part of the registration for the deceased individual.
  • An applicant may apply for multiple deceased individuals.
  • The COVID-19-related death must have occurred in the United States, including the U.S. territories and the District of Columbia.
  • This assistance is limited to a maximum financial amount of $9,000 per funeral and a maximum of $35,500 per application.
  • Funeral assistance is intended to assist with expenses for funeral services and interment or cremation.

In the coming weeks, a dedicated 800 number will be established to help individuals who apply. In the meantime, potential applicants are encouraged to start gathering the following documentation:

  • An official death certificate that attributes the death to COVID-19 and shows that the death occurred in the U. S. The death certificate must indicate the death “may have been caused by” or “was likely the result of” COVID-19 or COVID-19 like symptoms. Similar phrases that indicate a high likelihood of COVID-19 are considered sufficient attribution.
  • Funeral expense documents(receipts, funeral home contract, etc.) that include the applicant’s name, the deceased individual’s name, the amount of funeral expenses, and the dates the funeral expenses were incurred.
  • Proof of funds received from other sourcesspecifically for use toward funeral costs. Funeral assistance may not duplicate benefits received from burial or funeral insurance, financial assistance received from voluntary agencies, federal/state/local/tribal/territorial government programs or agencies, or other sources.

More information regarding this assistance can be found at COVID-19 Funeral Assistance | FEMA.gov

COVID19 Precautions for Public Health/Workforce Safety

  •  The Lower Rio Grande PWWA has options to pay your bills from home, either online or by phone, so please consider utilizing them or the drop boxes located at each of our offices
  • Our offices were closed to the public except by appointment from March 26 to May 15, 2020, and our Mesquite office is now open and following social distancing, mask-wearing, and cleaning guidelines from the State of NM.  Our La Mesa office remains closed to the public, and our Berino office is closed.
  • Please follow the guidance from the NM Department of Health to keep yourself and your loved ones safe and healthy
  • Water & Wastewater Utilities are deemed “Essential” under the NM DOH CoVid-19 Public Health Orders, and we will are hard at work while taking precautions for everyone’s health and safety
  • We are endeavoring to keep surfaces clean in our offices, so please do your part by following good hygiene practices like hand washing, covering coughs, maintaining distance from others and avoiding handshaking, etc.

For more information:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

The Governor Richardson, Lopez, Olmos, Trejo COVID-19

Emergency Fund for the Southern Colonias of Doña Ana County

The fund will offer applicants a one-time check – $150 for individuals or households without children and $300 for individuals or households with one or more children. Families may use this cash assistance for groceries, medical bills, rent, utilities, car repairs, or whatever emergency expenses they might have due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  There are eligibility requirements based on location and income.  For more information and to apply, click here to visit the Community Action Agency of Southern NM website.

SUPERINTENDENT OF INSURANCE, ATTORNEY GENERAL WARN ABOUT COVID-19 SCAMS

“The New Mexico Office of Superintendent of Insurance (“Superintendent”) and the New Mexico Office of the Attorney General are warning businesses and consumers that conartists and scammers are taking advantage of the panic, fear and confusion surrounding the COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus) pandemic, and have intensified efforts to defraud and steal… ”  Download the full press release at the link below:

Press-Release-Covid-Fraud_

For Those Dealing With Increased Stress & Family Issues:

Pressures from the spread of COVID-19, lost work, and kids at home longer can lead to desperation. But no matter how frantic we feel, don’t take it out on our kids. If you feel like you’re losing control call CYFD at 855-333-7233.  For the sake of your family – make the call.

Vacancy on Board of Directors

We have two vacances on the Board of Directors, in District 2, which is in the Berino area. Maps of our Districts can be viewed or downloaded from the Board & Elections page. Below is a letter to members in Districts 2 & 6 explaining how to apply for appointment by the Board of Directors to represent this District.

Board Vacancy Notice 041520

2021 Local Election November 2, 2021

Terms for four directors representing Districts 3, 4, 5 & 7 will expire in 2021.  See the Board & Elections page for information about the 2021 election.

Public, Meeting, Non-Discrimination and Rate Notices

If you would like to receive an email reminder about our Board meetings, email your request to board@lrgauthority.org.

2014 Rate Hearing Documents

Public Meeting: Presentation of Water & Sewer Rate Study & Recommendations

Tuesday, March 9, 2021, at 6:00 pm online on ZOOM

The Lower Rio Grande Public Water Works Authority asked Rural Community Assistance Corporation to perform a rate study and make recommendations for rate adjustments in 2019.  Results of the study were presented to the Board of Directors on February 17, 2021, and the board authorized this public meeting to be held online on the Zoom platform due to COVID-19 restrictions on gatherings in-person.  Download the flyer with details here:

You can download the Zoom app for your smartphone or tablet at the Google Play Store or Apple Store, you can attend on your computer, or call into the meeting.  Informational materials will be posted here as available, and a link to view, download, or listen to the recording of the public meeting will be added here following the public meeting.

Public input will be provided to the Board of Directors at its regular monthly meeting on March 17, 2021.  If you would like to provide comments to the board, please email your comments to board@lrgauthority.org, mail them to LRGPWWA Board – Rate Study, PO Box 2026, Anthony NM 88021, or call 575-233-5742 ext. 1021 with brief comments.

View the Public Meeting recording here:

https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/OMikSclnch_74H125V6PXAFC8fK_yHiqN2E3VDYG436cV2mU99jdPb4dZPM2xRar.aUviMU0KN1WUqBwx

Download the presentation in pdf format here:

LRGPWWA Public Meeting Rate Presentation PPT_English_030921

LRGPWWA Public Meeting Rate Presentation PPT_Spanish_030921

2020 Rate Study by RCAC

Rural Community Assistance Corporation is currently working on a rate study for the Lower Rio Grande Public Water Works Authority.  Information will be posted here as it becomes available, and a public hearing will be scheduled in late 2020 or early 2021.  Due to CoVid-19 protocols, the public hearing will be virtual, not in-person.

Updating our water and wastewater rates based on current financial and customer usage data on a regular basis is important for keeping the LRGPWWA on a sound footing to continue to reliably provide these essential community services, and to avoid rate-shock by delaying necessary increases.

The rate study and rate adjustment proposal will be presented to the LRGPWWA Board of Directors for approval and adoption once complete.  Watch this page for additional information, and contact us at board@lrgauthority.org to sign up for board meeting notifications or to submit comments.

Public Hearing for Governance Document Amendment

Please join us on Tuesday, May 4, 2021, at 6:00 p.m. on ZOOM to give us your comments on this proposed amendment to our Governance Document.  This amendment is to address an issue that has come up with USDA Rural Development regarding funding for projects.  You can download the meeting flyer and the full Governance Document with the proposed amendment highlighted on page 15 below.   You may also provide written comments to the Board at board@lrgauthority.org until 5:00 p.m. on Friday, May 14, 2021.  This proposed amendment will be an agenda item for the Board of Directors Meeting at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 19, 2021.

QUORUM NOTICE: A quorum of the Lower Rio Grande PWWA Board of Directors may attend this meeting.  No board business will be discussed, and no board action will be taken at this meeting.

LRGPWWA Governance Document_ 01619 Proposed Amendment

Public Hearing-Governance Document Amendment_050421

Public Meetings Online

Beginning with our April 15, 2020 Board of Directors meeting, we will be using the Zoom online meeting platform for public meetings.  It will be necessary to contact us for the link online password or telephone number.  While the public is welcome to attend our open meetings, we also need to be mindful of online security (yours as well as ours), and we need an accurate record of attendees.

If you plan to attend, please contact us at board @ LRGauthority.org (remove the spaces before and after the @ symbol) to be included in our email reminder list to receive this information, or call us at 575-233-5742 extension 1021 or 1018 and leave a message (we are working reduced hours in the office and partially from home).  Go to https://zoom.us/ to set up a free account prior to attending the meeting.  You can download the Zoom app for Android at the Play Store or the iPhone version in the Apple Store.  It’s possible to dial in to the meeting, but probably better to use a computer, laptop, tablet, or smart phone when possible.

CDBG Public Hearing – Water Master Plan

The LRGPWWA will conduct a public hearing regarding its Community Development Block Grant Planning Grant that funded a Water Master Plan at 5:30 p.m. online via the Zoom platform on Wednesday, November 10, 2021.  Download the meeting flyers below for details and log-in information.

CDBG Notice of Public Meeting English-POST w-Board Agenda

CDBG Notice of Public Meeting Spanish-POST w-Board Agenda

PUBLIC NOTICE DISCHARGE PERMIT
RENEWAL

Lower Rio Grande Public Water Works Authority proposes to renew the Discharge Permit for post-closure groundwater moni-toring. Discharge location: Mesquite Wastewater Treatment Facility is located at the end of Santo Tomas Road, Mesquite. For additional information, con-tact the New Mexico Environ-ment Department and reference: DP-1036 PN1.

(505) 827-2900

www.env.nm.gov/gwqb/public-notice

Corrected Notice: 2020-12-PN2-ENGLISH2

Public Notice-Rcpt of DP Application-DP-1036 Mesquite WW Facility

Drinking Water Notices

Water Quality Reports for Calendar Year 2019 & Previous Years

Our Consumer Confidence Reports for past years as required by the Safe Drinking Water Act are posted below. These reports detail where your water comes from, what it contains, and how it compares to standards set by regulatory agencies.

2010 was the last time there were five separate reports under the names of the original five former mutual domestic associations. Beginning with 2011, all of the water quality data is combined in one report for the Lower Rio Grande Public Water Works Authority for those five systems.

During 2012, the Butterfield Park, Organ and Brazito water associations voted to merge with the Lower Rio Grande PWWA. The 2012 CCRs for these three associations are separate documents.

In 2016 the LRGPWWA purchased the Valle Del Rio water system. The 2015 CCR for this system is also a separate document, found below.

In 2018, High Valley MDWCA elected to merge with the Lower Rio Grande PWWA, and their CCRs beginning with 2017 are available here.

The links to the right will open PDF files containing the reports. You will find contact information for our Operations Manager at end end of each report if you have any questions.

Please note that Wells #1, 2 & 3 in the Desert Sands area have now all been equipped with arsenic treatment plants and lab results for arsenic have since been in compliance with arsenic MCL.

Customer Newsletter

The first edition of our newsletter was mailed out to all of our customers on December 28, 2011. Click the links below to download our newsletters in PDF format.

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