T or C is down to two wells and the water system is working at 65 percent capacity, but two wells will be fixed shortly

For years, the City of Truth or Consequences has only given the sketchiest, spottiest, non-comprehensive information about the eight wells that are listed as city wells on the New Mexico Environment Department’s website. 

Yesterday, the city’s Public Information Officer and Tourism Coordinator Carrie Gaston issued a press release that is the most comprehensive report on the city’s wells–probably a first in the city’s history. Since Gary Whitehead was hired last February, such city reporting has improved greatly. 

Of the eight wells, three have not been in operation for over a decade, Gaston said. 

She gives reasons for the city having only two wells in operation, with a third well likely to be fixed and back online by today, Nov. 5. A fourth well should return to service within a week, Gaston said. 

Please find Gaston’s press release below: 

November 4, 2025
Contact: City of Truth or Consequences – Public Information Office
Phone: (575) 740-2567 or Manager Gary Whitehead at (575) 894-6681
Email: cgaston@torcnm.org

City Water System Operating at 65% Capacity Amid Well Repairs

Truth or Consequences, NM — The City of Truth or Consequences is providing a status update on its municipal water wells to keep residents informed. While several wells are currently offline or under repair, water service remains stable and sufficient, and there is no cause for concern.

• Well #1 is out of service due to a failed pump. Maulding Drilling has provided a quote and is preparing to install the replacement this week. The repair has already been approved.
• Well #2 is under construction.
• Wells #3, #4, and #5 have been offline for over a decade:
  • Well #3 is landlocked.
  • Well #4 is an older well that previously served the golf course.
  • Well #5 is offline due to high arsenic levels.
• On November 3rd, Well #6, the city’s highest-producing well at approximately 1,100 gallons per minute, experienced a failure. Maulding Drilling was on-site earlier today and determined that the motor requires replacement. A new motor was in stock and is currently en route from Albuquerque. Installation is scheduled for tomorrow, and City Manager Gary Whitehead has verbally approved the transaction.
• Wells #7 and #8, which produce between 600–700 gallons per minute, are currently carrying the load and maintaining service.

Water crews are monitoring tank levels three times daily. This morning’s readings were consistent with last night’s reading, and this afternoon the Morgan Street tank showed a two-foot gain. The system is currently operating at 65% capacity, indicating a healthy reserve.

The city will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as needed. We appreciate the community’s understanding and support as we work to maintain reliable water service.

Thank you,

Carrie D. Gaston

Public Information Officer & Tourism Coordinator

(575) 740-4075

(575) 740-2567 Cell

Whitehead told the Citizen about two months ago that the city was rehousing Well 2. It’s on city park land, Louis Armijo Park, close to the intersection of Veater Street and Iron Street. From the outside it looks like a new metal building is complete. It is unclear from Gaston’s press realease what further construction is needed on Well 2. 

More than four years ago I wrote an article on the city’s wells, cobbling together information from several sources, which can be found here:  

T or C still mum about problems with city’s water wells, despite only two of eight working properly – Sierra County Sun May 2021

This is the second time within four years that the city has gone down to having only two wells in service. When Bruce Swingle was city manager, May 2021 through May 2023, some time in his first year he informed the city commission during a public meeting that he had to make an emergency purchase–frowned upon by the state Department of Finance and Administration–because the city had only two wells in operation. He gave no other details and the city commission asked no questions. 

In this instance the city calms alarm and speculation and builds trust and confidence in local government by issuing a timely press release, with details and clarity on what happened and what is being done about it.