History of El Creston MDWCA
El Creston Mutual Domestic Water Consumers Association has been in existence since 2004, but has evolved from a citizens' concern group hoping to stop the City of Las Vegas' pumping of Taylor Well #4 to a governmental entity whose intent is to create a community water system. Following are the high points in our history:
- Spring, 2004 - In response to the City's renovation and renewed pumping of Taylor Well #4, about 100 citizens in Romeroville, Sheridan, La Manga, Blue Ridge, Pine Ridge and Ojitos Frios Ranches, came together to form El Creston.
- Fall, 2004 - The group decided to hire a water attorney and hydrologist to file suit against the City. Fred Waltz, attorney, of Taos and Jim Brinkman, hydrologist, of Albuquerque were hired.
- Winter, 2005 - 10 senior well owners agreed to be named as plaintiffs in our case.
- El Creston appears before the Water Master in Santa Fe who denies our request to join a group of other water organizations suing the City. With diminished momentum and finances, and the stabilization of well water levels in the area, the group becomes inactive.
- Summer, 2007 - The City begins regular pumping again and 5-10 wells go dry. We meet with Les Montoya, County Manager, to request help. He indicates that the county cannot assist us unless we become a full-blown mutual domestic water consumer's association, a governmental agency.
- Winter, 2008 - We learn about the Millekin Ranch water on the ridge to the west of Ojitos Frios Ranches and his offer of water to the City. It is thought this water could be a source for our area as well.
- 2009 - The City begins to use TW #4 as a regular water source, not just a back-up. More and more wells' water levels drop drastically or go dry.
- August, 2009 - El Creston group meets and elects a new board with the intent of creating a mutual domestic water consumer's association.