Water Quality Standards | Pueblo of Sandia
Abstract
Responding to the severe contamination of the Rio Grande River that threatens both human health and ceremonial uses of the water, the Pueblo of Sandia was awarded “treatment as state” status in 1990. Subsequently, the Pueblo developed and implemented U.S. EPA approved water quality standards that give it control over local and regional water issues as well as management of water quality improvement efforts. Most importantly, by having the Pueblo's grade school students tour the river and test its water quality as part of the school science projects, the Pueblo of Sandia is helping to create a new generation of water quality guardians and ensure the program's future success.