Water Week: Wednesday Review Special Edition
What you need to know: The Reader keeps you informed

Workshopping Cloudcroft’s Water Challenges
[ANALYSIS]
Cloudcroft is grappling with multifaceted water challenges, marked by aging infrastructure, increasing demand, drought, looming equipment failures, and regulatory pressures for the Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP), which paints a complex picture of the village's present and future water security.
On Monday, April 14th, in an effort towards transparency regarding the village's pressing water issues, the Village Council organized a public workshop and presentations by engineering firm CDM Smith and the Village Public Works Department to discuss our water infrastructure, challenges, and potential innovations.
The following night, Tuesday, April 15th, the council held its regularly scheduled open meeting. CDM Smith, Public Works Supervisor JJ Carrizal, and the council followed up on water discussions.
The council also voted to approve a new project proposal and PUReWater Project engineering change with CDM Smith.
Village Water Gallons Per Month: September 2024-March 2025

The Reader is proud to be sponsored in part by great businesses like The Elk Shed:
Drip, Drip: PURe Water Project
In 2007, the Village undertook an ambitious plan to provide a long-term solution to its water issues, the PURe Water Project.
The rationale for pursuing the project was simple: to create a resilient and sustainable water supply for the village by implementing Direct Potable Reuse (DPR) technology. DPR recycles treated wastewater and converts it into potable (drinkable) water, thereby addressing the village’s limited water resources and increasing demand due to population growth and drought conditions.
Water We Waiting For: H2OMG
The issue driving January’s emergency meeting was the village’s inability to replenish our water stores that month. In a nutshell, water was going out faster than it could come in, and the reserves that we tapped to cover the deficit were down to perilously low levels.
Every Drop Now Counts in Cloudcroft
What led to Water Level 3 Restrictions for the village earlier this year?
The Reader is proud to be sponsored in part by great businesses like High Altitude:
The End of the Road: Timberon’s Unfinished Story
Drew Gaines Reports: A remote New Mexico community balances infrastructure challenges with an influx of newcomers.
Cloudcroft Community This Weekend:
Community Easter Egg Hunt: Saturday, April 19th, 10:00 a.m. at the Zenith Park Cloudcroft Pavilion. Cloudcroft’s First Baptist Church sponsors the free event.
New Mexico Rails to Trails Association Work Day: Saturday, April 19th, 9:00 a.m. to noon. NMRTA will develop the last mile of the Salado Trail (T128), finish sealing the Salado bridge, and install some new directional signs. Meet at the Salado Canyon Trailhead, 457 Fresnal Canyon Road, and bring water, gloves, snacks, and sunscreen. NMRTA will provide the tools. Sign up to Volunteer.
A High Stakes Balancing Act at Bluff Springs
Drew Gaines Reports: The oasis where recreation, ranching, water rights, and a sensitive “living-rock” habitat collide.
Reader Reels: Leak Hunting with Public Works
Cloudcroft Reader Classifieds
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Check out the Reader Classifieds here.
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Jobs
Finance Manager: Sacramento Mountains Senior Center, Cloudcroft, NM
The Senior Center is seeking a full-time Finance Manager. Bookkeeping and/or Accounting experience preferred. Must be a quick learner of Accounting software and a stickler for details. The job also involves part-time consumer qualification assessment management. Other training requirements involve CPR, driving safety, food handling, periodic nutrition webinars, and quarterly AAA training.
Mtnseniors.org | 575-682-3022
The Lodge at Cloudcroft: Retail Manager and Front Desk Manager
The Lodge at Cloudcroft is looking for fun, creative and energetic people to assist in managing the front desk and the hotel’s retail store.
432-284-0041 | starvannacottrell@gmail.com
Friends of Camp Mary White
Camp Mary White is seeking a Camp Health Supervisor (Camp Nurse). Dates: June 14 - July 8. Preferred qualifications: (RN, LVN, LPN, Dr., EMT) and experience working with children, competent with handling medical emergencies, and can quickly learn to use record-keeping software.
Information and application: 214-240-7965 | Linktr.ee/campmarywhite
Community
Sign your child up for Little League flag football!
Cloudcroft Schools' Little League flag football program offers young athletes a chance to develop football skills, teamwork, and sportsmanship in a supportive, non-contact environment, promoting physical fitness and community spirit among local students. Download the Heja app! The code is PJ-313315. Our first practice will be on Tuesday, April 15th. The last day to sign up will be April 15th at 5:30 p.m.
575-324-6018
Heights of Peru Cloudcroft Schools Student Trip Fundraiser
Spanish Teacher Deborah O’Connor and community chaperones will take six Cloudcroft students to Peru this summer. If you wish to sponsor students, donate to “Heights of Peru” at the First National Bank in Cloudcroft. The group is fundraising at Zip’s Carwash in Alamogordo throughout April.
Western Horseback Riding Lessons
Intro to western riding and horsemanship lessons for ages five and up. Located in Tularosa, close to Horseman’s Park. Please get in touch with us for more information.
801-678-4838 | robyn.vanvalkenburg@gmail.com
Cloudcroft Fitness
A small fitness studio offering group fitness classes, including barbell, circuit training, spin classes, and more!
https://cloudcroftcycling.punchpass.com/
Lenten Lunches
Each week will feature a guest speaker and a free soup lunch. Lenten Lunches begin at 12pm every Wednesday through April 9th. Hosted by Cloudcroft United Methodist Church, 50 Chipmunk Avenue. All are welcome!
575-682-2266 | cloudcroftumc.org
Trails & Rails Race
Saturday, June 7th: Come and run in the Beautiful Sacramento Mountains of Cloudcroft, New Mexico, on the historic 1800s railroad beds and the old 1930s highway—at just under 9,000 feet. The races start and finish at the Trestle Recreation Area at the intersection of Highways 82 and 130, where the depot is located.
Register before March 31st for these special rates (plus taxes and fees): 8-mile $45; 3-mile $35; and the Kid’s 1-mile Dash $15.
Diabetic Education Classes for the Community
If you are Diabetic or Pre-Diabetic you can take charge of your health and your own diabetic care.
575-682-3022 | mtnseniors.org | cbrn1cu@gmail.com
Cloudcroft Art Society
The Cloudcroft Art Society (CAS) regularly hosts exhibitions and art sales through the cooperative gallery space and community room at the Michael Nivison Public Library/Old Red Brick Schoolhouse.
To find out about membership and apply to CAS: ccartsociety@gmail.com
Services
Septic System pumping, installation, inspections and repairs
We install and service septic systems in Cloudcroft, Timberon, Alamogordo and Ruidoso. No system is too big or small. We specialize in hard-to-install systems and have four different kinds of ATS or aerobic systems to find the right system for your property needs.
www.advancedsepticpros.com | 575-682-5874
Extended Protection for Vehicles UTVS ATVs Motorcycles RVs & Homes
Protection plans from a nationwide insurer and customized by a local Cloudcroft resident.
480-252-8119 | james@sureguardwarranty.com
A quaint family-owned and operated mountain ranch offering short-term boarding for pack mules and horses—ideal for hunters. Foundation Quarter Horse breeding, sales, and stallion services.
979-676-3996 | hcecloudcroft@gmail.com
Crystal Tompkins Photography
Professional photography services include headshots and personal branding, Portraits of Women (POW), Families, Couples, and more.
Schedule today
Real Estate
52.106 Acres in Dog Canyon, Alamogordo *No Cov or Restrictions
52 Acres of Possibilities! This unrestricted land off Highway 54 near Dog Canyon offers stunning 360° mountain views and endless potential for development, agriculture, or recreation. Seller willing to install power pole for financing ease! Oliver Rd and Dog Canyon, Alamogordo, NM 88310
MLS # 170202 | (575) 607-5520
Construction
Mountain Park Construction LLC
We can get it done right and on budget. General Building license in New Mexico.
(575) 491-0379 | PO Box 61, High Rolls Mt Pk, NM 88325
YHWH Electric service
Generators---Remodels--- New Construction---Commercial --- Residential
(575) 682-1316 | cloudcooper65@gmail.com
Retail & Sales
Yale 3 Ton Manual Hoist
Yale 3 Ton Manual Hoist $2500 Very heavy, adjustable to mount on trolley frame 4" to 6" wide rail
(575) 551-8510 | pablo.jasso61@gmail.com
Awning Room for 20 Ft RV Awning
Awning Room for 20 Ft RV Awning. Used last summer. Great for more extended stays in your RV. Like New.
575-491-4395 | jacquetanis@gmail.com
Sacramento Mountain Law Enforcement Stories
Books about Cloudcroft and New Mexico history from a cop’s standpoint by retired Otero County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Billy Anders. Available on Amazon and other sources. Complimentary copies in the Cloudcroft public library.
Visit www.billyandersauthor.com
Drew Gaines Fine Art
Local artist (and The Reader’s Contributing Editor) offers original oil paintings and fine art prints. Many of his works depict the beauty of the surrounding area.
(214) 934-3822 | drewgaines@sbcglobal.net
Aspen & Ivy Boutique
Boutique store and gift shop on Burro Avenue next to the Fat Rabbit and Pine Stump Mall. Shop for bespoke and organic goods, local art, and more.
Text: (512) 788-1349 | saranicole333@gmail.com
Instant Karma
Adventure Within through transformative yoga, Ayurvedic wisdom, nourishing organics, a Fair Trade boutique, and an afternoon Chai Bar. Ask about joining the Veggie Club.
(575) 682-2651 | alex@getinstantkarma.com
Off the Beaten Path
Eclectic art and gifts, just north of Burro on Glorietta Avenue. Handmade local and regional art with a focus on sustainable and recycled materials. Check out their 1Cat Trap, Neuter, and Release Program.
(575) 682-7284 | stuff@offthebeatenpathstuff.com
Food & Drink
Black Bear Coffee Shop
We keep everyone in mind when it comes to our menu. We have gluten-, dairy-, and sugar-free options. Our baristas know their stuff and do their best to make your day and drink a piece of mountaintop perfection. Located on the NW corner of Burro Ave.
(987) 654-1239 | @blackbearcoffeenm on Instagram
Get Connected
Where can I find…?
Helping people make connections in the Cloudcroft community is core to our mission. To better connect people in business in the area, the Reader is launching a classified listings section to help them find what they are looking for.
As we launch this new service for the area, we are remaking all classified listings free during our beta phase. Beginning this summer, each listing will be $25 per month. Listings are always available to view on the Cloudcroft Reader landing page and are emailed to our over 2660 email subscribers in our weekly Wednesday reviews.
We reserve the right to refuse any listings for any reason.
We plan to feature categories such as retail, lodging, real estate, property services, jobs, food & drink, classes, and more.
We’ve created a simple order form where you submit your listing for inclusion. If you have any questions, please email us at classifieds@cloudcroftreader.com
Let us help you get connected.
Promote your business
Learn about sponsorship opportunities for your business in support of the Reader. Contact us for more information at sponsorship-info@cloudcroftreader.com
Cloudcroft Reader is proud to be sponsored in part by great businesses like The Stove and Spa Store, The Lodge, Dusty Boots Motel and Cafe, Instant Karma, Off the Beaten Path, Future Real Estate, Ski Cloudcroft, Cloudcroft Therapeutic Massage, High Altitude, The Elk Shed, Otero County Electric Cooperative, and the Peñasco Valley Telephone Cooperative.
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