Questa del Rio News

06/24/2026

: The Village of Questa has implemented a ban on the use and discharge of fireworks because of ongoing dry weather conditions, increased fire danger and an existing burn ban, according to a public notice from Questa Fire & EMS.

The fireworks ban took effect Tuesday, June 24, and will remain in place until further notice.

Officials said the restrictions are intended to reduce the risk of wildland and structure fires as fire danger remains elevated across the area.

Under the order, the use and discharge of fireworks within the village is prohibited for the duration of the ban.

Questa Fire & EMS said the temporary measure is designed to help protect residents, visitors and emergency responders while dry conditions persist.

Officials thanked the public for its cooperation and urged residents and visitors to comply with the ban to help keep the community safe.

No additional details were provided about when the restrictions might be lifted.

06/24/2026

: Watch the Village of Questa Council Meeting.

https://www.youtube.com/live/El14Y9mLQMY?si=9kOJIPJMHSTOgN48

My name is Dylan Crabb and I'm a freelance reporter and photographe...

06/22/2026

: Families planning summer camping trips to the Rio Costilla area will need to make alternate plans after management of the RCCLA announced an indefinite closure beginning June 21 because of heightened wildfire danger.

In a notice posted to social media, the Rio Costilla campground management said the closure was prompted by elevated fire risk stemming from below-average winter snowfall and spring precipitation, which have left vegetation unusually dry heading into the peak summer recreation season.

The shutdown affects one of northern New Mexico’s popular summer camping destination, where generations of families have traditionally spent vacations fishing, hiking and camping in the forests surrounding the Rio Costilla area.

“This is not a decision we have made lightly,” campground management said in the post. “The safety of our visitors, staff, and surrounding community is our highest priority.”

The closure comes as land managers across the Southwest continue to monitor drought conditions and wildfire threats that can intensify during the summer months. Dry conditions increase the likelihood that a small spark could quickly develop into a fast-moving wildfire, particularly in remote forested areas.

Management did not provide a timeline for reopening, saying the campgrounds will remain closed until conditions improve. Officials thanked visitors for their understanding and cooperation and said they look forward to welcoming campers back when it is safe to do so.

06/20/2026

From the Albuquerque Journal.

Water, safety studies support Questa green hydrogen facility as mayor faces scrutiny.

MORE:

New studies back Questa's green hydrogen facility safety & water use. Critics, however, still voice concerns about mayor's dual role.

06/17/2026

: Residents gathered Tuesday (June 16) at the Cerro Community Center to discuss the community’s ongoing water outage and efforts to restore a reliable water supply more than three weeks after Taos County declared a local emergency.

The county declared the emergency May 27 for the 80 households affected and has since worked to provide bottled water and potable water to residents affected by the outage.

Community members at the meeting sought updates on water testing and the timeline for restoring service. Officials explained that water testing in New Mexico can take between three and four weeks, or up to 25 days, due to the time needed to incubate biological samples, conduct chemical analyses and process results through state-certified laboratories.

Additional testing requirements are also being conducted because the well was originally drilled as an exploratory well, officials said.

Despite the challenges, progress is being made toward establishing a stable water system. Community members asked for increased communication and collaboration surrounding the stabilization of a consistent water system for the community.

Meanwhile, several locations have made shower facilities available to residents affected by the outage. Sites include the Cerro Community Center, Living Word Ministries, the Questa Fire Department Building, Freedom Church and the Questa High School gym.

Residents using the facilities are encouraged to bring their own toiletries and towels and to help keep the community spaces clean.

No timeline has been announced for when normal water service will be fully restored, but county officials said testing and infrastructure work continue.

06/16/2026

: The first phase of a new groundwater study commissioned by Kit Carson Electric Cooperative is showing that the proposed hydrogen energy storage project near Questa would draw water from a deeper groundwater source than most nearby residential wells and acequias, providing new information as debate over the project continues.

The findings come as the proposed Questa Hydrogen Energy Storage Project faces opposition from some residents, acequia users and community advocates who have raised concerns about water availability in a region that has experienced ongoing drought conditions and increasing pressure on water resources.

Kit Carson Electric Cooperative released results from the first phase of an ongoing groundwater study Tuesday, saying the analysis found the project's proposed well appears to access a deeper groundwater system than those used by most nearby homes and irrigation ditches.

According to the cooperative, researchers reviewed regional geology, well records, groundwater data and subsurface conditions in and around Questa. The study identified clay layers and other geologic features that appear to limit groundwater movement between the deeper aquifer and shallower groundwater systems that support many residential wells and acequias.

For supporters of the project, the findings are aimed to address one of the most frequently raised questions about whether the hydrogen facility would compete with local water users for the same groundwater supplies.

"People deserve answers when it comes to water," said Luis A. Reyes Jr., chief executive officer of Kit Carson Electric Cooperative. "That's why we initiated this study. The first phase suggests the project well is drawing from a different and deeper groundwater source than most nearby wells and acequias, and that the connection between those systems appears to be limited."

The study also examined groundwater conditions near the Llano and Cabresto ditch systems. Researchers found that groundwater levels near much of the Llano Ditch and most portions of the Cabresto ditches are separated from surface water conditions by significant depth, according to the report.

The findings suggest that drought, snowpack levels, stream flows and seasonal water availability are likely the primary factors affecting acequia flows in many areas. Researchers said additional analysis is planned in locations where groundwater may be closer to the surface.

Still, project opponents have argued that any additional groundwater withdrawals warrant careful scrutiny given the area's limited water supplies and the importance of acequias to agriculture, culture and daily life in northern New Mexico. Some community members have called for more extensive study before decisions are made about the project.

The cooperative emphasized that the study is ongoing and that the initial findings are not the final determination of potential impacts.

The next phase will use groundwater modeling to evaluate pumping scenarios, drought conditions, water levels and long-term groundwater behavior. The analysis is intended to provide additional information for local officials, water planners and residents as discussions about the project continue.

"As a member-owned cooperative, we believe our responsibility is to listen, share information openly, and make decisions based on facts and sound science," Reyes said. "Whether someone supports the project, opposes it, or simply wants more information, we believe everyone benefits from having access to credible data."

Kit Carson Electric said it plans to release additional study results and technical information as future phases of the groundwater analysis are completed.

06/16/2026

: Residents are encouraged to attend the Cerro Regional Mutual Domestic Water Consumers Association’s (CRMDWCA) community meeting on Tuesday, June 16, at 6:30 p.m. at the Cerro Community Center to receive updates and ask questions regarding the ongoing water system issues affecting the community.

Vilma Bailon with the association said they will provide information on the status of the 2008 well, state-required testing, ongoing recovery efforts, and the steps being taken to restore reliable water service.

Many residents have asked why it is taking so long to restore normal water service. According to CRMDWCA officials, a special water sample from the 2008 well must be tested to meet state requirements. The well was originally registered as an exploratory well, and paperwork for extended permits was filed with the State Engineer’s Office in mid-May. Some of the required tests can take up to 25 days before results are available.

Bailon also addressed questions regarding the recent installation of a 6-inch water line, stating that the project was completed to upgrade the system and replace aging 2-inch lines. They emphasized that the current water issues are not related to the contractor’s work but rather to the older infrastructure.

Bailon expressed gratitude to community partners and organizations that have provided assistance during the emergency, including:

-Red River Dermarket
-Sangre de Cristo Grocery Store for donating blue 5-gallon water jugs
-Questa Credit Union for donations
-Taos County for water pallets
-Cerro Fire Department for assisting with water distribution to members
-Village of Questa for allowing people to use showers

Residents are strongly encouraged to attend the meeting, share this information with neighbors, and help inform those who do not use Facebook.
The meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Cerro Community Center.

06/16/2026

: The Questa Fire Department is offering access to newly installed showers at the Questa Fire Station for residents of Cerro affected by the ongoing water outage.

The showers are available for use by Cerro residents who need access to bathing facilities while water service remains shut off.

Both showers are located within the same bathroom, and residents are encouraged to plan accordingly, Mayor John Ortega said.

The Village of Questa asks for this information to be share through social media to help reach as many affected residents as quickly as possible.

Residents seeking to use the showers can visit the Questa Fire Station from 8 a.m.- 8 p.m.

06/15/2026

: The Questa Credit Union has opened a community supply drive to support residents of Cerro affected by the ongoing water outage.

The credit union is collecting and distributing essential items to help individuals and families manage daily needs while water service disruptions continue. Available supplies include paper plates, plastic utensils, wipes and other household essentials, while supplies last.

Residents in need are encouraged to visit the Questa Credit Union branch during regular business hours to pick up available items.

Officials said contributions of any size are welcome and will help provide relief to neighbors facing challenges caused by the outage.

Donations and supply pickup are available at the Questa Credit Union branch during normal business hours.

06/14/2026

: Hunters have until June 23 to bid on special hunting opportunities being auctioned by the New Mexico Department of Wildlife to raise money for wildlife conservation.

The online Governor's Special Hunt Auction features:
• An exotics hunt package that includes an either-sex oryx license for any public hunt, and an either-sex Barbary sheep license in any open GMU;
• A Coues deer license in Game Management Units (GMUs 23, 24, 26 or 27);
• An elk license in GMUs 34 or 36;
• An elk license in GMUs 16 A-E;
• An elk license in GMU 55A (Valle Vidal);
• A mule deer license in GMU 4 or 5;
• A mule deer license in GMU 2 A-C;
• A pronghorn antelope license in any open GMU.

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham authorized the auction under a 2007 state law. The department is partnering with Ducks Unlimited to conduct the auction, which opened June 8 and closes at 8 p.m. MDT on June 23.

Among the available hunts are elk licenses in several sought-after hunting units, mule deer hunts in northern New Mexico, a Coues deer hunt in southwestern New Mexico and a statewide pronghorn antelope hunt in any open Game Management Unit.

The auction also includes an exotics package featuring an either-sex oryx license for any public hunt and an either-sex Barbary sheep license valid in any open Game Management Unit.

Winners must choose an existing hunt code and follow all state hunting rules and regulations. The special permits allow hunters to add up to five consecutive days before or after the regular hunt dates, extending the length of their hunt.

Ducks Unlimited, a conservation organization focused on wetlands and waterfowl habitat, has helped conserve more than 5,000 acres in New Mexico. State officials said those projects benefit waterfowl and other wildlife across the state.

Interested hunters can register and bid online through the Governor's Special Hunt Auction website at https://wildlife.dgf.nm.gov/governors-special-hunt-auction-online-for-2025/.