204703 Prevalence of arsenic contaminated drinking water in southern New Mexico border colonias

Tuesday, November 10, 2009: 8:48 AM

Amy K. Pilley , Department of Health Science, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM
Sandra Jacquez, MS , Department of Health Science, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM
Robert W. Buckingham, Dr PH , Department of Health Science, MSC 3HLS, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM
Satya P. Rao, PhD, CHES , Health Science, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM
Kiran Sapkota, MS , Department of Health Science, MSC 3HLS, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM
Saran Kumar Rai, BDS , Department of Health Science, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM
Ashley Graboski-Bauer, MPH, CHES , Department of Health Science, MSC 3HLS, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM
Thriveni Reddy, MBBS , Department of Health Science, MSC 3HLS, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM
  
Background: US-Mexico border colonias face many unique public health concerns, including elevated levels of arsenic in drinking water. Over 13,000 primarily Hispanic residents live in 37 Dona Ana County colonias. These communities are characterized by low-income households, substandard housing, inadequate plumbing and sewage disposal, and lack of accessible safe drinking water. Arsenic contamination of drinking water is a pressing concern for these residents, posing long-term health risks.

Objective: This study was conducted to assess the current prevalence of arsenic contamination in drinking water in Dona Ana County colonias and current interventions underway to address the situation. We evaluated the applicability of Promotora Model in these colonias in terms of educating local people.

Methods: Published and unpublished data was collected from various sources and was analyzed. Field examination survey was conducted on colonias community water systems to assess water distribution and consumption practices.

Results: Many colonias' arsenic level in drinking water range between 12 to 100 ppb, exceeding the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 10 ppb. Although arsenic removal technologies are available, they are not widely applied in colonias due to low return on investment.

Conclusion: Arsenic levels in southern New Mexico colonias are significantly higher than EPA MCL, posing a risk for chronic health conditions. Federal and state agencies are testing various media for cost-effectiveness in removing arsenic from colonias' drinking water. We propose to use the Promotora model to educate these border colonias residents regarding the dangers and practical solutions to arsenic contaminated drinking water.

Learning Objectives:
Explain the extent and implications of arsenic contamination of drinking water in southern New Mexico colonias. Describe available decontamination technologies and their applicability to southern New Mexico colonias. Discuss the use of the Promotora model in educating colonias residents.

Keywords: Water Quality, Health Disparities

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have completed all requirements to earn a bachelor's degree in Community Health from New Nexico State University. The program's focus is on health education and border health. Co-authors have previous experience in related areas.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

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