Tribal Water Program

The NM EFC continues its efforts to assist Tribal water systems in improving public health protection. The NM EFC frames the assistance in terms of maximizing the use of each of the barriers – source, treatment, and distribution. Water system managers and operators need to make effective use of each of these barriers to prevent contamination from entering the system or reaching the customers.

The EFC offers the following services to the New Mexico Tribal Drinking Water Utilities through a grant from EPA - Region 6

Compliance & Technical Assistance

  • Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) compliance
  • Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs) CCR iwriter
  • Total Coliform sampling plans
  • Coordinate sample collection required under the SDWA
  • Operation & maintenance support and troubleshooting
Utility Management

  • Develop Tribal Utility Boards and Utility Ordinances
  • Utility Board Training
  • Rate analysis (financial viability)
  • Organizational structure & staffing
Public Outreach and Education

  • Develop public education materials on the costs of providing safe drinking water
  • Educational campaigns for tribal members and leadership on water related issues
Water Operator Training

  • Water Math Training
  • Total Coliform Rule Training
  • Drinking Water Regulations Training
  • On-site certification training for selected water utility staff
  • Custom on-site training (on request)
  • Tribal Operator Resource Room
  • Administer EPA Region 6 Certification Tests (3 times per year)
Multiple Barrier Evaluations (MBEs)

An MBE is an evaluation of the three main barriers for public health protection – source, treatment and distribution. This assessment aids in identifying deficiencies that may affect the ability of the three barriers to provide maximum public health protection. The EFCs goal is to conduct a MBE at every public water system. Please contact us to schedule an evaluation of your water system(s).

Comprehensive Performance Evaluations (CPE)

A CPE is an intensive examination and review of a water system’s design capabilities, and associated administrative, operation and maintenance practices. Improving water quality and system operation through optimization helps utilities comply with current regulations, prepare for future regulations and maximize the performance of their existing facilities. This program is designed for systems that have a groundwater source and is intended to increase athe level of public health protection from waterborne disease outbreaks.

Voluntary Plan Review

The NMEFC offers a voluntary plan review service for new or upgraded Tribal water systems prior to construction. This is an independent review of the plans from an operational perspective.

For more information, check these related documents:
Tribal Water Operator Training Calendar
 Environmental Finance Advisory Board
EPA Environmental Finance Program
EPA Region 6 Drinking Water Program