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'Forever Chemicals' Found in Water Sources Around New Mexico, Studies Find

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'Forever Chemicals' Found in Water Sources Around New Mexico, Studies Find


So-called forever chemicals have been found in water sources across New Mexico, according to recent studies by the U.S. Geological Survey and state environment officials.

The federal agency detailed the findings last week, around the same day the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced its first-ever limits for several common types of PFAS, or perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances.

Used in everyday products from nonstick pans and firefighting foam to waterproof clothing, PFAS have been linked to cancer and other health problems in humans. They are known as forever chemicals because they don’t degrade in the environment and remain in the bloodstream.

The research in New Mexico detected PFAS in all major rivers in the arid state, with the highest concentrations downstream of urban areas.

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USGS researchers looked more closely at water quality in the Rio Grande as it flows through Albuquerque, New Mexico’s largest city, and found PFAS levels downstream that were about 10 times higher than at upstream locations.

Dozens of samples also were taken from groundwater wells and surface water sites as part of an initial statewide survey between August 2020 and October 2021, with officials saying the majority of wells sampled did not turn up PFAS. The work began after contamination was discovered at military installations.

Andy Jochems of the Environment Department’s water protection team said the latest findings will be helpful as regulators make decisions about protecting drinking water resources in the future.

Kimberly Beisner, a USGS hydrologist and lead author of the studies, said the work highlights the complex nature of chemicals in urban areas and their effects on river systems. She noted that concentrations near cities are constantly changing due to wastewater discharges and stormwater runoff, for example.

The utility that serves the Albuquerque area has not seen any PFAS concentrations in the drinking water system approaching the EPA limits, so officials said Wednesday they aren’t anticipating that the new regulations will require any action other than continued monitoring and reporting.

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As for contaminants from Albuquerque going into the Rio Grande, utility spokesman David Morris said it’s possible that at some point there may need to be enhancements at the city’s sewage treatment plant.

Copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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New Mexico

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New Mexico

A look at results across Northern New Mexico

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A look at results across Northern New Mexico


Santa Fe County

Santa Fe mayor: City Councilor Michael Garcia has been declared the winner after the tabulation of the ranked choice votes. He led in the first round with 36% of voters, while Oscar Rodriguez trailed with 23%, Ron Trujillo with 14%, County Commissioner Justin Greene with 10%, JoAnne Vigil Coppler with 8%, Tarin Nix with 6%, Letitia Montoya with 3% and Jeanne O’Dean with 1%. The candidates were vying to succeed Mayor Alan Webber, who is not seeking reelection.

Santa Fe City Council District 1: Pat Feghali, who has been declared the winner after the tabulation of the second-round ranked choice votes, led with 40% in the first round, while Katherine Rivera and David Montoya trailed with 30% each. The candidates were vying to succeed Councilor Signe Lindell, who is not running for reelection.

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Los Alamos County

San Miguel County

Rio Arriba County

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Taos County



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New Mexico Lottery Powerball, Pick 3 Day results for Nov. 3, 2025

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The New Mexico Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Nov. 3, 2025, results for each game:

Powerball

03-32-40-43-57, Powerball: 18, Power Play: 2

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Pick 3

Day: 5-0-1

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Evening: 4-2-7

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Lotto America

07-11-19-25-50, Star Ball: 10, ASB: 03

Check Lotto America payouts and previous drawings here.

Pick 4

Evening: 1-2-6-1

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Day: 8-0-5-3

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Roadrunner Cash

01-03-13-16-20

Check Roadrunner Cash payouts and previous drawings here.

Powerball Double Play

11-27-55-62-68, Powerball: 02

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Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Las Cruces Sun-News editor. You can send feedback using this form.



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New Mexico

Millions available through NM Preservation Loan Fund

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Millions available through NM Preservation Loan Fund


ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – New funding is now available through Housing New Mexico’s loan fund. The New Mexico Preservation Loan Fund is a flexible funding source for multifamily properties at risk of exiting the affordable housing stock.

Housing New Mexico says people can request up to $2 million to bring a property up to date by things as physical upkeep, financing for prospective owners who seek to acquire affordable multifamily projects over time, and predevelopment funding for existing Low-Income Housing Tax Credit properties pursuing re-syndication.

Those eligible include but are not limited to non-profit organizations, for-profit organizations, governmental housing agencies, entities, and instrumentalities, regional housing authorities, tribal governments and housing agencies, builders, corporations, limited liability companies, partnerhsips, joint ventures, syndicates, and associations.

More information about the New Mexico Preservation Loan Fund is available on its website. Information on Housing New Mexico’s funding opportunities for developers is available on their website.

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