This page provides an overview of our efforts across Natural Gas, Water, and Wastewater Operations. Each section below details how we manage these critical infrastructures to meet the needs of our community while upholding the highest standards of safety and environmental responsibility. Learn how our teams work around the clock to monitor, maintain, and improve these essential services, ensuring reliability and quality for all our residents.
Responsibilities
Natural Gas Operations & Maintenance provides a safe, reliable supply of natural gas to the citizens of Las Cruces. We operate and manage a system consisting of more than 1,000 miles of gas mains and service lines, while providing service to approximately 40,000 combined residential, commercial and industrial meter connections.
The Natural Gas Line of Business is divided into five programs.
1. Construction & Maintenance
- Duties: Responsible for maintaining the integrity of the system through rehabilitation programs and new construction projects. This sub-section installs gas lines, builds regulator stations, and performs gas line repairs.
2. Corrosion Control
- Duties: Carries out a corrosion control program to protect our metallic pipelines from external, internal and atmospheric corrosion; in addition, they replace and repair corroded sections of pipe as necessary.
Corrosion Control also monitors underground and above ground gas lines and components by conducting leak surveys (the method used to detect the slightest presence of natural gas).
3. Operations and Compliance
- Duties: Responsible for keeping the Gas Section in compliance with all regulatory requirements by providing training and certification for Gas Section employees, and overseeing gas system utilities inspections.
4. Pressure & Service
- Duties: Manages and controls the pressures in the system which range from 837 psig in the transmission lines to 0.25 psig at the residential meter. This sub-section also installs gas meters, monitors and controls gas odorant levels, and responds to gas leak and carbon monoxide calls.
Duties
The Las Cruces Utilities Water Section produces approximately 6.5 billion gallons of clean, safe drinking water annually. The City’s water system pumps its water from two deep aquifers; the Mesilla and Jornada Bolsons.
Water Main Break
If you suspect a water main break, please notify the Las Cruces Utilities Dispatch at 575-526-0500.
Maintenance
This section maintains:
- 10 booster stations
- 13 storage tanks
- 30 regulating valves
- 30 wells
- More than 600 miles of underground water lines
In addition, the City of Las Cruces acquired the Jornada Water System. It provides over 670 million gallons per year to customers and consists of:
- 12 storage tanks
- 14 wells
- 4 regulating valves
- 8 booster stations
- More than 90 miles of underground water lines
Duties
The Las Cruces Utilities Wastewater Section maintains approximately 533 miles of sewer lines and 17 lift stations. The Jacob A. Hands Wastewater Treatment Facility treats approximately 3.3 billion gallons of sewage per year. After successful separation of solids, the treated and disinfected wastewater (effluent) is safely discharged into the Rio Grande.
East Mesa Reclamation Plant
In 2010, the new 1 million gallon per day East Mesa Reclamation Plant became operational. Through advanced treatment processes, the Reclamation Plant cleans and purifies wastewater to meet or exceed water quality standards for “purple pipe” irrigation of nearby parks, a golf course, and a local high school.
Composting Process
Utility wastewater facilities have implemented a very successful composting process converting sewage sludge to high-quality beneficial Class “A” compost, available free to the public and area farmers. Call 575-528-3597 or click link for more information.
Report an Issue
If you suspect a sewer problem, please notify the Las Cruces Utilities Dispatch at 575-526-0500
FAQs
- Who is responsible for clearing/repairing sewage lines when they are blocked or damaged?
- Wastewater Collections Systems subsection of Utilities is responsible for maintaining the main sewer pipeline, which is the major artery that carries wastewater from homes and businesses to the wastewater treatment plant. Las Cruces Utilities is responsible for service lines between the sewer collection main to the clean-out on private property if the clean-out is located within 10 feet of the property line. If there are no clean-outs or the clean-out is located more than 10 feet inside the property, the sewer service line is the property owner’s responsibility.
- I need to find the clean-out to my home. What is this and where do I find it?
- Clean-outs are pipes fitted with a closed cap, which provide access to your sewer service drainage pipes so they can be cleaned or inspected for damage or blockage. They are located near the front of the home or on the side. Not all homes have clean-outs. If you cannot locate them yourself, your plumber can help.
- Are clean-outs the same as stub-outs?
- No, stub-outs are pipes between the main sewer line and the private property line. Your plumber will connect your home’s sewer service line to the City’s stub-out.
