Laguna delivers water pending pipe fix

LAGUNA PUEBLO, N.M. (KRQE) - Laguna pueblo officials said Wednesday that crews will be working through the night to restore the water to around 260 residents who lost service nearly a week ago.

Officials found the source of the problem earlier in the day: a break in a water pipe located under the Rio San Jose.

They said it'll be tough to get to because the riverbed is rocky. They're working on a temporary fix in the meantime, but there's no word on when that will happen.

Last Thursday about 550 residents lost water in the villages of Laguna and Mesita. By Wednesday, all but 40 residents on the village of Laguna all 220 residents on Mesita were still without water.

Since the break, Laguna officials like Moses Martinez have been delivering drinking and washing water nonstop to residents. Martinez said he's working 16 to 18 hours a day.

His mother, Vera Martinez, did her laundry in Albuquerque. She and her husband also rented a portable potty for the week.

"Oh terrible, terrible," she said. "I never realized I would miss water or something like that much.

"It has just been terrible for us."

Students like Kyle Martinez learned the middle and elementary schools would be dismissed at midday until water service is restored.

"It's been pretty awful for awhile," he said.

As soon as class is out he's out helping his father, Moses.

There are tanker trucks where homes are still without water, but many must wait for the father-son pair.

"Especially lifting water from the truck," Vera said.

Moses said they'll be out there day and night, for as long as needed.

Laguna residents who have questions or need help can call the Pueblo's emergency operation center at 505-552-1200.