By Cassie McClure
Published in Las Cruces Bulletin 4.08.22
Las Cruces Utilities has a new deputy director of water who has worked his way through different stages of utility work and is now eager to continue his service to Las Cruces and its residents.
Ronald N. Borunda has been with LCU for three years but has over 18 years of experience in both water and wastewater. Previously in Alamogordo working as the utility maintenance manager, Borunda moved to Las Cruces to join LCU as a waterline maintenance supervisor.
“I’ve worked in the trenches, responding to on-call requests to fix main breaks in the middle of the night, so I know the dedication it takes to be a part of a utility,” said Borunda.
Borunda will now oversee the Water Operations and Maintenance line of business which has four programs: Water Administration; Water Line Maintenance; Water Production; and Meters, Valves and Hydrants (MVH).
“I was ambitious to grow and thrive within the industry, specifically within LCU, which has the reputation as one of the best-run utilities in the state,” said Borunda.
Borunda is a certified water level 4 operator with the State of New Mexico, a years-long process that enables him to know not only the pumps and pipes but how the distribution systems of wells and underground water make up the stability of the water system for Las Cruces.
LCU produces over 6 billion gallons of clean, safe drinking water annually. The City of Las Cruces (City) water system pumps from two deep aquifers, the Mesilla Bolson and the Jornada Bolson. LCU maintains more than 700 miles of underground water lines, 40 wells, 20 storage tanks, 17 booster stations, and 41 regulating valves.
“LCU proactively works to meet the needs of our customers, day and night,” he said. “Our crews are proud of being a part of their city having clean, safe, and reliable water flowing from the tap at any time. We work around the clock and all year long to ensure our citizens have water at the turn of their faucets and can rest easy knowing their water is safe to drink.”
Borunda is also a certified level 3 wastewater operator and has an associate degree in General Engineering but aims to complete a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, with a focus on Water Resources, as time allows in the next few years.
“Water is crucial to our lives in the desert,” said Borunda, “and while there might be changes in how we use our water, it’s our job at LCU to make sure that residents can always depend on water being safe and available in Las Cruces.”
LCU – Your Utility Connection. Customer Central can be reached at 575-541-2111 from 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. LCU provides clean, safe, and reliable services to Las Cruces residents and businesses. Learn more at: las-cruces.org/180/Utilities
For emergencies, call Dispatch at 526-0500.
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PHOTO 1: Meet the new Deputy Director Water Ronald N. Borunda.