© 2024 KRWG
News that Matters.
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Las Cruces Utilities Sewage Line Extension

During the 2019 New Mexico Legislative Session, a $1,006,370.00 grant was approved for the Las Cruces Septic Systems Replacement project, Hacienda Acres is one of two areas in Las Cruces that will benefit from the grant funding. Approved by the Las Cruces Utilities (LCU) Board of Commissioners via Resolution No. 20-21-LCU026, the Hacienda Acres Phase II Sewer Improvements Project will now go to construction. 

The Hacienda Acres Phase II Sewer Improvements project consists of installing an 8-inch gravity sewer main, utility holes, and a 4-inch PVC sewer service line in Calle de Ranchero and Avenida del Sol Road. Installation of the new sewer main and services will allow for 32 sewer connections for residents along these streets as a part of this septic replacement project.

Carl Clark, P.E., deputy director Environmental & Technical Support, explained that LCU is ready to get started with their contractor Smith & Aguirre, Inc.

“The project should last around 80 working days,” Clark said. “We continue to expand our services to those customers that are in city limits and meet the ‘High Priority’ criteria area defined by the Septic Tank Identification and Prioritization Plan, written by CDM Smith. High density residential subdivisions utilizing septic tank systems such as the Hacienda Acres Subdivision could result in nitrate concentration in local aquifers that exceed the drinking water standards.”

With a connection to the LCU system, homeowners could also see a benefit to selling their homes in the future due to taking the need for septic tank maintenance out of their hands and into the hands of the system. John Mrozek, deputy director Wastewater, “The downside of a septic system is getting them pumped to prevent backups and overflow.”

He explained that the tank collects water from sinks, tubs, and toilets. The waste is separated from the water and the water is sent to outgoing grid field pipes also known as a leach field, where it is then released into the soil underground.

“Septic systems sometimes cannot handle large amounts of sewage and can be overloaded, and the failure of the system can be very costly,” Mrozek said. “Plus, any clogs won’t just be in a drain or pipe heading out of your home; it’s stuck in your system and can cause problems with the tank or the leach field.”

LCU Customer Central can be reached at 575-541-2111 from 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. LCU provides services to approximately 100,000 Las Cruces residents and businesses.