Majority Latino city endures years of toxic water in health ‘crisis’
New Mexico town has endured toxic arsenic in drinking water for The Washington Post
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SUNLAND PARK, N.M. — Water Utility Board Faces Concerns Over Arsenic Contamination
Rosana Monge, a resident of Sunland Park, New Mexico, addressed the water utility board to raise concerns about the high levels of arsenic found in the town’s drinking water. She presented evidence of her late husband’s exposure to arsenic and requested a health assessment of the community. The issue of arsenic contamination in Sunland Park has persisted for the past 16 years, with drinking water samples consistently exceeding legal limits. This poses significant health risks to the predominantly Latino and low-income population of the town.
Environmental Impact and Regulatory Violations
Arsenic naturally occurs in the soil of New Mexico and seeps into the groundwater used for drinking. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has assessed the Camino Real Regional Utility Authority (CRRUA), the water operator in Sunland Park, with numerous violation points over the past five years. These violations indicate a failure to comply with federal standards and address the seriousness of the issue. Sunland Park has more unresolved issues than other cities, including Jackson, Mississippi, which gained national attention for its water crisis in 2022.
Disproportionate Impact on Marginalized Communities
The contamination of drinking water disproportionately affects low-income communities and communities of color, such as Sunland Park. Studies have shown that Latinos are exposed to arsenic in their drinking water at higher rates than any other racial or ethnic group. Similarly, Black Americans are disproportionately impacted by lead contamination. These disparities highlight the failure of the wealthiest nation to provide safe drinking water to all its residents.
Challenges in Regulation and Enforcement
The regulation of contaminants in drinking water has been influenced by politics and industry pressure. The EPA sets federal toxin levels, but states are responsible for monitoring public water utilities and enforcing regulations. Arsenic levels in drinking water have been a subject of debate, with evidence suggesting that even the current legal limit may be too high. The history of arsenic regulation exemplifies the challenges faced in regulating contaminants and ensuring safe drinking water for all.
Health Impacts and Community Concerns
Residents of Sunland Park have reported various health problems associated with arsenic exposure, including skin lesions and complications in fetal development. The long-term effects of arsenic exposure cannot be accurately measured through a single lab test. Despite their pleas for action, residents feel that the water utility has not taken the issue seriously. Concerns about the water quality have persisted for decades, with previous incidents involving pollution from a landfill and incinerator. The lack of access to safe drinking water is a pressing public health crisis in the community.
Call for Action and Accountability
Residents of Sunland Park are demanding immediate action from state and federal agencies to address the ongoing water crisis. They have expressed distrust in the utility and have resorted to using bottled water or boiling tap water as temporary solutions. The state has initiated investigations, issued fines, and demanded records from the water utility. However, residents remain skeptical and believe that more needs to be done to ensure their access to safe drinking water and hold responsible parties accountable.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. No Poverty
- Target 1.4: Ensure that all men and women, in particular the poor and the vulnerable, have equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to basic services, ownership, and control over land and other forms of property.
- Indicator 1.4.2: Proportion of total adult population with secure tenure rights to land, with legally recognized documentation and who perceive their rights to land as secure, by sex and type of tenure.
3. Good Health and Well-being
- Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
- Indicator 3.9.1: Mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution.
6. Clean Water and Sanitation
- Target 6.1: By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.
- Indicator 6.1.1: Proportion of population using safely managed drinking water services.
10. Reduced Inequalities
- Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
- Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, by age, sex, and persons with disabilities.
11. Sustainable Cities and Communities
- Target 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums.
- Indicator 11.1.1: Proportion of urban population living in slums, informal settlements, or inadequate housing.
16. Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
- Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels.
- Indicator 16.6.2: Proportion of population satisfied with their last experience of public services.
Analysis
1. The SDGs addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article are No Poverty, Good Health and Well-being, Clean Water and Sanitation, Reduced Inequalities, Sustainable Cities and Communities, and Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.
2. Specific targets under those SDGs that can be identified based on the article’s content include:
– Target 1.4: Ensuring equal rights to economic resources for the poor and vulnerable.
– Target 3.9: Reducing deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and pollution.
– Target 6.1: Achieving universal access to safe drinking water.
– Target 10.2: Promoting social and economic inclusion for all.
– Target 11.1: Ensuring access to adequate housing and basic services.
– Target 16.6: Developing effective and transparent institutions.
3. Indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets include:
– Indicator 1.4.2: Proportion of population with secure tenure rights to land.
– Indicator 3.9.1: Mortality rate attributed to air pollution.
– Indicator 6.1.1: Proportion of population using safely managed drinking water services.
– Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income.
– Indicator 11.1.1: Proportion of urban population living in slums or inadequate housing.
– Indicator 16.6.2: Proportion of population satisfied with public services.
4. Table presenting the findings:
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|——|———|————|
| No Poverty | Target 1.4: Ensure that all men and women, in particular the poor and the vulnerable, have equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to basic services, ownership, and control over land and other forms of property. | Indicator 1.4.2: Proportion of total adult population with secure tenure rights to land, with legally recognized documentation and who perceive their rights to land as secure, by sex and type of tenure. |
| Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination. | Indicator 3.9.1: Mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution. |
| Clean Water and Sanitation | Target 6.1: By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all. | Indicator 6.1.1: Proportion of population using safely managed drinking water services. |
| Reduced Inequalities | Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status. | Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, by age, sex, and persons with disabilities. |
| Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums. | Indicator 11.1.1: Proportion of urban population living in slums, informal settlements, or inadequate housing. |
| Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels. | Indicator 16.6.2: Proportion of population satisfied with their last experience of public services. |
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Source: washingtonpost.com
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