SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (KFOX14/CBS4) — A neighborhood in Sunland Park has little to no water after construction broke a water line.

According to the Camino Real Regional Utility Authority (CRRUA), construction work related to the installation of fiber optic cables triggered a series of water line breaks in the Anapra area, leading neighboring homes to experience low-to-no water pressure.

CRRUA said it is distributing bottled water to help people affected by the water outage.

At this time, there is no estimated timeframe for completion of the repairs.

CRRUA confirmed this all started Friday when a line broke. That break, however, was reported as fixed the same day.

The second outage was reported Sunday night at around 7:25 p.m.

Emily Schmalz reports on Sunland Park’s Anapra area hit by water outage after line break (Credit: KFOX14)

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Residents said they did not realize there was a problem until they turned on their faucets.

“They didn’t announce it. They don’t pass out papers or somebody announcing it. Hey, we’re going to shut off the water it could be a big leak probably just didn’t have a chance, but they don’t do that,” said Oscar, an Anapra resident.

Leticia, another resident, said the outage disrupted basic routines.

“I haven’t even changed clothes because I want to shower. But how do I shower if there is no water? And we don’t even know how long it will take to fix it. It’s the worst thing yet,” she said.

In the meantime, Leticia said she has been relying on bottled water.

“It’s difficult because I’m using bottled water that I use to drink. I don’t like drinking the water from here. I’m just using that water to wash my hands at least, but I want to bathe,” she said.

Some residents said their concerns go beyond the latest outage, saying they have seen discolored water coming from their taps even when there are not water main breaks or repairs underway.

“We’ve had problems, trouble, and yeah, discolored water. But I just can’t do much about it,” Oscar said.

I buy my own. I don’t like drinking the water, city water. I don’t trust it. We just live with it.

KFOX14/CBS4 reached out to CRRUA regarding any reports made by residents about water quality and discoloration, but did not hear back in time for this report.

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As CRRUA has stated before, once service is restored, water pressure may remain low for a short time while the lines are pressurized, and people may notice temporary water discoloration caused by naturally occurring minerals.

CRRUA recommends waiting until the water runs clear before washing laundry. The discoloration should clear within 24 hours.

If it persists, CRRUA said people should run cold water for several minutes until it clears.

Those who continue to experience discolored water should contact CRRUA Customer Service at 575-589-1075 or the after-hours emergency line at 575-202-7173.

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