THE TAOS PUEBLO TRIBE, NM-Examining River Bacteria Levels

We helped the Taos Pueblo tribe develop a river monitoring program to examine bacteria levels in their river. Questions arose about the potential threat to the health of tribal members who drink from the river. We assisted the Taos Pueblo Environmental Office (TPEO) conduct a health survey. Although we cannot disclose the results publicly, they proved extremely valuable to the staff of TPEO, which used the information to educate residents about proper land use practices and the health risks associated with certain practices. The tribe controls its entire watershed and hopes that it can work to ensure all tribal rivers remain in pristine condition.