Progress Update on the Eastern New Mexico Rural Water System:

Finished Water 3 Project

Progress Update on the Eastern New Mexico Rural Water System: Finished Water 3 Project

The Finished Water 3 (FW3) Project is a critical component of the Eastern New Mexico Rural Water System (ENMRWS) and is being implemented in two phases: FW3A and FW3B. The FW3 system begins at its connection point with the Finished Water 2 (FW2) line near Cannon Air Force Base and spans a total of 17.2 miles along NM Highway 467, extending to the existing water tank in Portales.

The contractor for the entire FW3 Project is Smithco Construction, which officially received the Notice to Proceed on May 27, 2021, for the first segment, FW3A, that covers 11.5 miles and was successfully completed one year ago. Work on the second segment, FW3B, which spans 5.7 miles, is currently in progress. The contractor is actively working on FW3B by pushing back the topsoil along the pipe alignment and installing the necessary piping for the water system.

Both phases of the FW3 Project incorporate high-quality infrastructure materials, including 20-inch polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and ductile iron pipe (DIP). These materials, along with an array of valves and vaults. In addition, crews have begun installing fiber optic conduit that will contain fiber optic cable, a key feature that will allow for controlling valves and monitoring the system from the Water Treatment Plant control center.  

Upon completion, the FW3 system will play a vital role in ensuring a reliable, sustainable water supply for the residents and businesses of Portales, an important member of the Eastern New Mexico Water Utility Authority (ENMWUA) community. The contractor estimates substantial completion of FW3B by mid-July 2025, with final project completion expected by mid-August 2025.

The entire Eastern New Mexico Rural Water System is projected for completion in 2031.

This ongoing work marks an important step toward enhancing the water infrastructure for Eastern New Mexico, ensuring that Portales and surrounding areas have access to a reliable and secure water supply well into the future.