Raton Water Works is proud to be the recipient of the NM Rural Water Association Large System of the Year Award for 2019.
Raton Water Works has operated as a municipal franchise water utility since 1991 and served the Raton public a quality product. The utility treats surface water from two pristine sources, Lake Maloya and Cimarron River. The system has 15 certified operators and prides itself on staff longevity. In the last 10 years four operators have retired after over 25 years of service with the utility and three possessed Level 4 New Mexico certifications.
The Raton Water Works has maintained and exceeded drinking water regulations while struggling with the affects of the 2011 Track Fire, which burned 85% of the Lake Maloya watershed, Raton’s primary supply reservoir. Then in 2018 the Ute Park Fire burned over 50% of the Cimarron River watershed of Raton’s secondary supply. Even with these catastrophes Raton has maintained a positive record of service with the Raton Public.
Raton Water Works is also the proud recipient of the NM Rural Water Association’s Excellence in Environmental Achievements for 2019.
The City of Raton/Raton Water Works received the Governor’s Environmental Excellence Award for Water Resources in 2015. Raton was recognized for continuing post-fire restoration efforts of the community and of Lake Maloya, the primary drinking water source.
Over 90% of the public approved a continuing gross receipts tax dedicated to water in 2018. The original tax was first approved in 1982, which made construction of the Cimarron supplemental water system possible. The guidance and management of the Raton City Commission, Water Board and utility supervisory staff have fostered this positive attitude and quality service during difficult circumstances. The dedicated operations staff has made these accomplishments possible. The continuity and reliability of the operators have been critical to Raton’s utility service to its citizens.
Find out more about Raton Water Works by visiting http://www.ratonnm.gov/ or follow them on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/RatonWaterWorks/
