New Mexico American Water’s Exploratory Deep Well in Clovis Finds Little Water

Extensive testing of New Mexico American Water’s exploratory well into the Lower Dockum Formation has revealed a water source of insufficient quality and quantity to provide a supplemental source to the Ogallala Aquifer.

The exploratory well was drilled to determine if the Lower Dockum Formation, which lies below the Ogallala Aquifer, could serve as an additional source of water for Clovis. As the Ogallala declines it becomes more challenging and more expensive to supply water to customers in Clovis. In the past 10 years, New Mexico American Water has gone from 28 wells to 61 wells and is producing 20% less water.

“This is a disappointing result but one we acknowledged from the outset as a real possibility,” said New Mexico American Water General Manger Daniel Bailet. “We can’t be certain where we will find usable water until we look, and given the rapid decline of the Ogallala we had to look.”

The exploratory well was supported by the city of Clovis and was authorized by both the Office of the State Engineer and the New Mexico Public Regulatory Commission. The project broke ground in June and testing was completed last month that showed that the water within the formation is unsuitable for further exploration and investment due to insufficient volume and high chloride, metals and mineral content.

The outcome disappointed company and community officials who cautioned the public from the project’s outset that the well was merely exploratory and did not guarantee the discovery of usable water. New Mexico American Water remains undeterred in its mission to ensure a sustainable water supply for its customers in Clovis and other water users across the region.

“We know that our present supply source will ultimately be insufficient,” said Bailet. “The disappointing results from this test well highlight the need for our community to support federal funding for the Ute Reservoir project and to do more to conserve.”

New Mexico American Water has been working with our customers in Clovis to promote common sense water conservation tips and offer rebates for new toilets, clothes washers, and landscape conversions. More information can be found online at the local Clovis office or online at: http://www.amwater.com/nmaw/

New Mexico American Water, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and related services to approximately 60,000 people.

In 2011, American Water is celebrating its 125th anniversary with a yearlong campaign to promote water efficiency and the importance of protecting water from source to tap. To learn more, visit www.amwater125.com.

Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest investor-owned U.S. water and wastewater utility company. With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs more than 7,000 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to approximately 16 million people in 35 states, as well as Ontario and Manitoba, Canada. More information can be found by visiting www.amwater.com.