New Mexico is installing free water filters to address ‘forever chemical’ contamination

LA CIENEGUILLA —The garden beds are empty in José Villegas’ backyard, and the land where he grew even more corn and calabasas is a flat stretch of dirt. The La Cieneguilla resident removed his garden after the well water at his home tested positive for chemical contamination two years ago.

“This is what fed my babies — my babies and my grandchildren,” Villegas said. “They get all excited when they see a big, old, giant pumpkin, right? That’s how you sustain yourself.”

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