Department of Environmental Quality
Update to drinking water after additional weekend flooding in San Juan area
BLUFF, San Juan County, Nov 2, 2026 — After this weekend storms in the San Juan area, additional flooding has introduced fresh runoff, sediment, and debris into the river, making it very likely that river E. coli levels have spiked again. Field crews are actively collecting a new round of river water samples to determine current bacteria levels. As soon as laboratory testing is complete, confirmed results will be released in coordination with local health officials.
The drinking water in Mexican Hat remains safe to drink, though the town is currently relying on hauled water after losing its well house to recent flooding. Water is being trucked in and will pass through the Mexican Hat water treatment plant before reaching businesses and residents' homes. All other drinking water systems in San Juan County are functioning normally and are safe for the community.
Please note: Residents should not use potable water from hoses that may have been exposed to floodwaters.
Jennifer Davilia, Bluff town council member, read this statement at a town meeting:
Public Information Statement – Bluff Water Works
"Bluff Water Works would like to reassure customers that the drinking water system was not compromised by flooding of the San Juan River.
The water supply is drawn from an aquifer maintained under artesian pressure. In addition, each service meter is equipped with dual-check backflow protection to help protect the distribution system.
Bluff Water Works conducts routine water quality sampling to monitor and ensure the safety of the drinking water supplied to customers. If any water quality concerns had been identified, public notifications would have been issued in accordance with Utah Division of Drinking Water requirements.
We appreciate the community’s attention to this matter and remain committed to providing safe and reliable drinking water to Bluff residents."
The Department of Environmental Quality is partnering with local agencies to support flood recovery in San Juan County and is dedicated to protecting drinking water safety and upholding statewide water quality standards. On-site water sampling, physical sample collection, and local health advisories are handled directly by partner teams at the Southeast Utah Health Department alongside San Juan County Public Health. Broader emergency response efforts, including road conditions and disaster relief, are coordinated through the Division of Emergency Management and San Juan County.
