Welcome to the Bluewater Water & Sanitation District’s new website. (Please bear with us as we work on the initial design & content, and check back often, we intend to make this a hub for our community’s needs.)
Dear Bluewater Water and Sanitation District Residents,
I want to take a moment to share an important update with our community.
Over the past several years, it has been an honor to serve you and work alongside many of you to maintain and improve our water and wastewater systems. As many of you know, these systems are essential to the health, safety, and future of our community.
I would also like to let you know that I am currently running for the New Mexico House of Representatives in District 6. This decision comes from a continued desire to serve our region and advocate for rural communities like ours at the state level.
With that said, I want to assure you that the work of the District remains a top priority. We are currently at an important point, with approximately $1.05 million in capital outlay funding available to invest directly into improving our water and sewer infrastructure. These funds represent a significant opportunity—but also a responsibility—to move projects forward efficiently and wisely.
At the same time, we are facing a need for greater community involvement. The District currently has two vacant board positions, and filling these seats is critical to maintaining strong local governance and decision-making. Our system works best when it is guided by members of the community it serves.
I am asking for your patience during this time, as well as your participation. Whether that means stepping forward to serve on the board, attending meetings, or simply staying informed, your involvement makes a real difference.
Together, we can continue strengthening our infrastructure, protecting our local control, and building a system that serves both current residents and future generations.
If you are interested in serving on the board or would like more information, please reach out. Your voice matters, and your participation is needed.
Thank you for your continued support of the District and for being part of this community.
Sincerely,
Paul Spencer
President, Bluewater Water and Sanitation District
Dear BWSD Water users ,
Years back, I wrote to the Bluewater Volunteer Fire Department, Cibola county commissioners, and Grants–Cibola County Schools asking for their support—and just last week, I sent fresh letters reminding them we’re still in this for 2026. They’ve stood with us before, and that mattered. When outside leaders put their name next to a small rural system like ours, it signals to Santa Fe that this isn’t “just a local complaint”—it’s a real community need tied to public safety, schools, families, and the future of Bluewater.
Over the years, BWSD has kept pushing forward the way small communities have to: one repair at a time, one grant at a time, one neighbor at a time. We’ve worked to stay ahead of failures instead of waiting for disaster. That’s the difference between steady service and expensive emergencies.
Inside this billing, the Capital Outlay request sits plain: six hundred thousand for clean, steady water; five hundred thousand to patch the sewer before it breaks wide. The copies I mailed Muñoz and Garcia? Attached—read what we said.
Letter to Representative Martha Garcia:
Letter to Senator George K. Muñoz:
Now yours joins it. Call, email, or mail a postcard. No script, no stamp tax—just truth. Tell them BWSD is small, but our needs are real: reliable water pressure, safer lines, dependable hydrants, and a waste water system we can count on.
Copy me at unopablocy60@gmail.com . I’ll forward your words straight to them.
We’ve kept rates flat since twenty fourteen because we walk together. Federal rules press, state laws tighten—but when every family’s voice hits Santa Fe, they hear heart, not heat.
Short, real, full of heart.
Paul Spencer
President
Bluewater Water Sanitation District
Customer Newsletter – Winter 2025
Protect Our System – Flush Only the Three P’s: Pee, Poo, and (toilet) Paper
Dear Bluewater Water Sanitation District Customer,
Your wastewater collection and treatment system is designed to handle only human waste and toilet paper. Many common household items that are poured or flushed down drains and toilets are causing serious and expensive damage throughout our collection system.
Items That Should Never Go Down the Drain or Toilet
How These Items Harm the System
These materials do not break down in water. Instead, they:
Every repair and pump replacement is paid for through customer rates. Protecting the system together keeps everyone’s bills as low as possible.
The Hidden Cost of a Leaky Toilet
A running or leaking toilet can waste thousands of gallons per month without being noticed. One Bluewater customer recently discovered a faulty flapper valve that was allowing water to run continuously. Their normal monthly bill of $135–$140 jumped to $185 in a single billing cycle—an extra $45–$50 for water that simply disappeared down the drain. A 10-minute repair saved them hundreds of dollars per year. If your toilet runs after flushing or you hear it refilling frequently, please repair it promptly or contact us for guidance.
Winter Tips to Protect Your Pipes and Our System
Cold weather increases the risk of problems in both your home plumbing and our collection system. Please remember:
What You Can Do Today
Thank you for doing your part to keep our collection system flowing smoothly, especially during the winter months, and for helping keep rates affordable for all.
If you have questions or need assistance, please call our office at (505) 658-5092 or visit www.bluewaterwsd.org.
Sincerely,
Paul Spencer
President, Board of Directors
Bluewater Water Sanitation District
Neighbors, friends, and fellow water users,
Your voice matters — and your participation shapes the future of our community.
Bluewater Water & Sanitation District (BWSD) is your local government, built on the founding principle that we are a republic — of the people, for the people, and by the people.
As we look toward the upcoming election, we encourage every member of our district to stay informed, engaged, and involved. Your vote and your voice guide the decisions that protect our most essential resource — water — and the infrastructure that sustains our homes and families.
💧 We’re also looking for two dedicated community members to join our Board of Directors.
These positions are vital to help us spend down over $800,000 in current capital outlay funds and to pursue additional, more affordable funding to repair and restore our aging and failing water and wastewater infrastructure.
Together, we can strengthen our system, modernize our operations, and build a sustainable, resilient future for generations to come.
Let’s work hand in hand — protecting our resources, our community, and our children’s tomorrow.
💧 Let’s build better — together.
— Bluewater Water & Sanitation District (BWSD)
Bluewater Water & Sanitation District (BWSD)
August 2025 Newsletter – Follow-Up
Community Leadership in Action
We’re thrilled to report a great turnout at the recent Nonpartisan Candidate & Volunteer Workshop!
Community members and candidates from across New Mexico came together to learn how to step into local elected roles and strengthen their communities. The energy and commitment in the room showed one thing clearly: local leadership matters.
Urgent Call: Open Seats on the BWSD Board
BWSD still has board positions open, and we urgently need committed community members to step up.
A full board ensures transparency, accountability, and progress as we work toward our mission of providing safe, clean, and affordable water for all BWSD water users.
Why It Matters
We’ve already secured $800,000 in capital outlay grants, but that’s only the beginning.
Our water and wastewater systems require major investments to:
Replace aging infrastructure
Reduce water loss
Expand sustainable solutions
There are abundant funding resources available—but we need strong leadership and active participation to access them. Together, we can build back better, stronger, and more resilient.
How You Can Help
Run for a Board Seat
Three seats are open for election this fall. This is your chance to help shape Bluewater’s future.
Register as a Write-In Candidate
It’s not too late! The deadline is fast approaching. Don’t miss your chance—see last month’s letter for details. Visit us online: water87005.org for more information
Volunteer & Support
Even if you don’t run, you can still help by volunteering, attending meetings, and spreading the word.
Looking Ahead
BWSD has momentum—but the work isn’t finished. With your help, we can:
✔ Continue applying for grants
✔ Strengthen our water & wastewater systems
✔ Ensure a sustainable, affordable supply for generations to come
Get Involved Today
Your community needs you. Join us in this essential work to protect and improve Bluewater’s future.
📞 Paul Spencer, President of the Board
505.287.0156
🌐 Visit us online: water87005.org
Dear BWSD Water Users,
In these pivotal times, your voice matters more than ever in shaping the future of our community’s water resources. At BWSD, we’re committed to delivering safe, clean, and affordable water to every household, but we can’t do it alone. We’ve recently secured a significant amount of capital outlay funding—a huge win that allows us to advance critical projects. Yet, it’s not enough to cover all the essential work ahead. That’s why we’re urgently pursuing additional affordable funding and technical assistance to strengthen our systems and serve you better. Now is the moment to step up, get involved, and ensure our water infrastructure is built back better, stronger, and more resilient for all stakeholders. No matter where you stand politically, local representation is key—it’s about community, not partisanship. Your participation can drive real change, and we’re here to support you every step of the way!
As a political subdivision with an elected board, BWSD is governed by a dedicated five-member committee, and three seats are up for reelection this fall 2025. This is your chance to represent your neighbors and help safeguard our shared water future! We invite all BWSD water users—regardless of political affiliation—to consider running for a board position. Imagine contributing your unique expertise and passion to decisions that ensure safe, clean, affordable water for generations. Newly elected members will receive comprehensive training to serve effectively, uncover funding opportunities, and access technical assistance for our vital projects. It’s empowering, rewarding, and urgently needed—toss your hat in the ring today and help us build a brighter Bluewater!
Time is of the essence: The deadline for candidates seeking local positions in Cibola County to file for the ballot is August 26, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Write-in candidates have until September 2, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Don’t let this opportunity slip by—your community is counting on you!
Whether you’re a seasoned community member or just starting to think about public service, we’re excited to highlight an upcoming nonpartisan Candidate and Volunteer Workshop designed to empower anyone interested in local elected roles. This training is open to all, emphasizing skills that transcend politics and focus on effective community leadership.
Event Details:
This workshop, hosted by the Leadership Institute, will boost your campaign skills and prepare you to run a successful local effort. You’ll learn:
Ideal for community members like you who want to get more involved—candidates, prospective candidates, spouses, staff, activists, and volunteers. The $25 registration fee includes a buffet lunch, and we encourage you to arrive 20 minutes early for check-in. This is a golden opportunity to gain the tools you need to serve effectively at the local level. Register now and take that inspiring first step toward making a difference!
With the capital outlay funding we’ve secured, we’re already implementing key projects to reduce water loss and enhance sustainability. But there’s so much more to achieve, and we’re actively seeking additional resources from every avenue to support our mission. Your involvement—as a board member or engaged resident—will help us make informed, forward-thinking decisions. Together, we can create a more prosperous, resilient Bluewater where everyone thrives. It’s urgent, but it’s also incredibly uplifting: Every action you take builds toward a stronger community!
Join us in this essential work! By stepping up, we can improve our water infrastructure, ensure a sustainable supply, and protect what matters most. For more details on board elections, the workshop, or ways to get involved, visit water87005.org or contact us directly. Let’s unite, no matter our backgrounds, to build a safer, cleaner, and more prosperous Bluewater—together, we will succeed!
New Water Quality Report Available Now, go to the CCR Page HERE to download the latest reports.
About Lead
All Public Water Systems (PWS) are required by both Federal and State law to test regularly for Lead in the system. In New Mexico, systems our size are required to submit 5 samples every 3 years. Had these tests shown a problem, we'd have to submit more samples, more often. Of the sites we last tested, 3 came back with trace levels, less than half the Maximum Contaminant Limit (MCL); the other 2 came back at zero/undetected. Of course the desirable amount is zero, and our system is PVC, so those probably indicate lead solder on the interior plumbing.
How does lead enter drinking water?
The water provided by your drinking water utility is lead-free. Lead enters drinking water when plumbing materials that contain lead corrode, especially where the water has high acidity or low mineral content that corrodes pipes and fixtures. The most common sources of lead in drinking water are lead pipes, faucets, and fixtures. In homes with lead pipes that connect the home to the water main, also known as lead services lines, these pipes are typically the most significant source of lead in the water.
Lead Service Lines
Water service lines are the underground pipes that connect home plumbing systems to public water mains. Water service lines can be made of plastic, copper, galvanized steel or iron, and lead, and metal pipes may use lead in soldered joints.
Lead Service Lines (LSLs) were installed in the US up until the 1960s, and while many have been replaced, there are still large numbers in use. There are limited records on water service lines on private property as many were installed decades ago and may have been tampered with or replaced since then. The only way to properly identify and inventory LSLs is with property-by-property assessing. The EPA has made the finding and replacement of LSLs a public health priority.
Because of its softness, Lead pipes were only made to about 2 inches in diameter. Far too small to be used in Water Mains, this size would be adequate for most small buildings and homes.
Find the water service line entering your house as close as possible to the POE (close to where it comes through the foundation wall or slab). The incoming water service in your home may come up from the basement floor or out of a wall in the basement. If you have a crawlspace, it will come out of the floor. If your house is on a slab, it will come up through the main floor, typically in a utility closet.
A licensed plumber can easily identify what type of material your service line is made of and assess your fittings for lead.
If you believe you have a lead service line or fittings, you should take action to reduce exposure and coordinate with your utility.
Once you have determined what type of material your service line is made of, it is important to report that information to your water utility, even if it is not lead. Reach out to your utility and let them know that you have identified your pipe material.
This information will be used to determine the scale of the lead pipe issue in your community and may be used to determine funding for assistance programs to replace the lead lines. This information will be critical in determining how regulators, utilities, and customers can properly address the problem. Your utility may also know of potential sources of funding too assist with homeowner costs of lead service line replacements.
Here are some things you can do to reduce your exposure if you think your home’s plumbing may have lead.
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Lead website contains information relating to all potential exposure routes for lead and what communities can do to address these issues.
The EPA's Protect Your Tap guide will help you determine if you have a lead service line bringing water into your home. It uses pictures, step-by-step directions to identify lead service lines, provides tips to reduce lead exposure, information on testing your water, and resources to learn more .
The CDC's Lead in Drinking Water resource page contains information about the risks of lead and steps that you should consider to help reduce exposure.
New Mexico Environment Department’s Drinking Water Bureau (NMED DWB)
the Initial Service Line Inventories are due, and a lot of systems are still scrambling to finish...
so how'd Bluewater do? We still have about 60 service lines to verify, those had to be filed as 'unknowns' for the 2024 Inventory, but we have 190 confirmed Non-lead, and no lines currently requiring replacement. Still, we're only about 80% through when you factor in missing information on either/both sides of the meter.
We submitted our Inventory early this morning (on time), but we're still in the field actively collecting information. It's been a mad rush, but we've learned a lot and have started a proper GIS map of the system.