Las Vegas looks for permanent solution burn scar water shortage

2022-09-10 09:17:12 By : Mr. lou chunhui

"Everything we're working on right now is virtually a band-aid that is buying us the time," said Maestas.

"Everything we're working on right now is virtually a band-aid that is buying us the time," said Maestas.

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"Everything we're working on right now is virtually a band-aid that is buying us the time," said Maestas.

The city of Las Vegas, New Mexico is now down to just 30 days left of water as of Aug. 22. Now, they're looking to buy time while they find a permanent solution.

Monsoon rains are slamming areas of the Calf Canyon/Hermits Peak burn scar, and filling the Gallinas river with ash and debris.

"We worked with our state partners, Army Corps of Engineers and National Guard to implement some, some structures that would stop the debris as it's coming down the river. We're having one of the best monsoon seasons, and because of the fire, we're not able to treat any of the water," said Las Vegas city manager Leo Maestas.

The city is working to build a water treatment device that gives them access to around 78 days worth of water that's stored in Storrie Lake.

"Our next step is to get the water out of Storrie lake with that pretreatment device," said Las Vegas Mayor Louie Trujillo.

Maestas said the supply of water in Storrie lake won't last forever.

"Year two, three, four, and five, we're going to start seeing a larger degree full-size trees coming down the burn scar. Everything we're working on right now is virtually a band-aid that is buying us the time," said Maestas.

Maestas said the endgame is to upgrade their water treatment facility here, so they can keep their reservoirs full of clean, usable water for years to come.

"Ultimately, we need to fix the problem. We need a state-of-the-art facility that can treat that type of water that's coming down. This may not be the only major wildfire that happens, and the city needs to be prepared," said Maestas.

Las Vegas will work with FEMA this Wednesday to distribute packaged water at Abe Montoya recreational center from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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