Spotting Leaks, Strengthening the System
Spotting Leaks, Strengthening the System
Truth or Consequences, NM — In a region where water is both a treasured resource and a vital necessity, the City of Truth or Consequences is setting a strong example of how small communities can take bold, strategic steps to modernize infrastructure and safeguard their future.
With a comprehensive plan backed by state and federal funding, the City is spending “between $50 and $60 million on water line repairs over the next three years,” said Mayor Rolf Hechler when describing the scope of the plan. The City plans to replace over 80,000 linear feet of water lines, some of which are more than 80 years old—including outdated galvanized, cast iron, and even wooden pipes. This upgrade to the water system includes replacing aging lines, improving efficiency, and embracing new technologies to detect and prevent leaks.
The funding for these improvements comes from multiple sources, including Colonia grants, Housing and Urban Development, and the New Mexico Water Trust Board. The City hopes that continued support will allow them to complete the overhaul and ensure a more reliable water system for residents and visitors alike.
The need for this overhaul is urgent. Many of the City’s water lines are severely occluded due to mineral buildup, a condition known as tuberculation. This phenomenon is common in systems with high mineral content in the water. TorC, known for its natural hot springs, draws from a highly mineralized aquifer. While the springs themselves are a boon for tourism and wellness, the same minerals that make the water therapeutic can deteriorate the infrastructure over time. In some cases, pipes are up to 80% blocked, leading to pressure imbalances and frequent leaks. “We chase our tails a lot in this town fixing water lines,” Hechler said.
To combat this, the City has partnered with the State and leak detection firm Astera, which uses satellite and acoustic technology to identify hidden leaks. In just two days, Astera’s team located 41 leaks—27 on the customer side and 14 on the City’s distribution system. The City has completed the repairs on their side and has reached out to residents with identified leaks on their property. This proactive approach marks a significant shift from the City’s previous method of waiting for visible signs of water loss.
“We may lose probably between 20 and 40% of our water due to leakage before we even see it at the meters,” Hechler explained. “Finding these leaks ahead of time saves the City water. It saves us time.”
During Astera’s visit in late April, the City’s water staff worked closely with field inspectors to learn how to identify and respond to leaks more efficiently. This collaboration is already paying off, with urgent leaks being addressed immediately and long-term planning underway to prevent future failures.
Residents are already seeing the benefits, from improved water pressure to fewer service disruptions. And with more upgrades on the horizon, the City is well on its way to ensuring that its water system remains as dependable as the springs that made it famous.
Please note that the satellite detection and marking commenced on April 21, 2025, and was completed within the same week. The video was recorded prior to the completion of this process, which accounts for the additional ten leaks identified, as mentioned in the article.