Residents of Cerro continue grappling with intermittent water outages as local officials, neighboring communities and state agencies work to stabilize a water system strained by aging infrastructure.
Taos County has coordinated a multi-agency response to work with the Cerro Regional Mutual Domestic Water Association to provide emergency water access while crews search for leaks and assess long-term repairs. An 8,000-gallon tanker of drinking water, delivered through the New Mexico Water Response Network and the state, remains stationed at the Cerro Community Center, where residents may fill large containers daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Taos County also has supplied pallets of bottled water to the community. Residents needing supplies are being directed to House 147 in Cerro, next to the home of association representative Vilma Bailon. A separate “water buffalo” containing non-potable water is available at Vilma Bailon’s home for residents needing water for uses other than drinking.
“It was a true community effort and we’re so grateful for our neighbors for their support as we work to address this issue,” Bailon said.
The response effort has brought together agencies and volunteers from across northern New Mexico. Leroy Romero of Romero’s Excavation, John “Sancho” Rael and Nick Trujillo of the Village of Questa Water Department and John Gopoian of the Angel Fire Water Department assisted in response efforts to locate and address water line leaks. Angel Fire crews brought a vacuum tank to help remove water and dirt as crews worked to identify problem areas in the system.
The ongoing outages highlight longstanding infrastructure challenges in Cerro’s water system. According to Bailon, the community’s existing 116-foot well was built in 1941, before water meters were installed. Over time, water lines developed beneath homes, corrals and fields, creating a network that has proven difficult to map and repair when leaks occur.
While addressing immediate disruptions, Brittany Coriz with the said the association is also pursuing longer-term improvements. Applications for funding through the New Mexico Environment Department are underway to secure leak-detection technology, and additional funding is being sought to improve aging wells and water line infrastructure.
Bailon said she has remained in contact with state and county officials, including Taos County Manager Brent Jaramillo, Taos County Commissioner Miguel Romero and Taos County Emergency Management Director Bobby Lucero as efforts continue to restore reliable service.
No timeline has been announced for full restoration of the water system.
The Taos County Board of County Commissioners approved Resolution No. 2026-25 during an emergency meeting May 27, declaring a local emergency related to the Cerro water system outage. The declaration is set to remain in effect through June 27 unless ended earlier or extended by county officials.
County officials said intermittent disruptions to potable water service have affected residents, businesses and public facilities in Cerro, posing concerns for sanitation, firefighting capabilities and public health.
The emergency declaration authorizes the county to expend resources, seek state and federal assistance and coordinate response efforts under the New Mexico Civil Emergency Preparedness Act. Potential emergency actions include water distribution, temporary supply systems, infrastructure repairs, public information updates and support for sanitation and fire suppression.
Bailon is hopeful that the multi-agency coordinated response will help get the community one step closer to having a reliable water system soon.
