Waterflow, New Mexico
Encyclopedia
Waterflow is an unincorporated community
in San Juan County
, New Mexico
, United States
on the north side of the San Juan River. It is immediately west of Fruitland
and north across the river from the Navajo Indian Reservation. It is east of Shiprock
.
Waterflow is a high desert valley with the highest point being a geological hogback
called "Hogback". The San Juan River and Shumway Arroyo are important water resources in the area.
territory. This place was called Chʼį́įdii Łichííʼ (Red Devil) in reference to Walter Stallings who operated a trading post in the area; nowadays, Tséyaa Akʼahí (beneath-rock oil) seems to be another designation in reference to the nearby oil fields, as can be seen on billboards in the area (pictured).
The early Anglo settlers in this area were predominantly Mormon, who called the area Jewett Valley. Since 1982, the Latter-day Saints have serviced their people in this area through the Kirtland Stake which covers from Kirtland
west to Shiprock, New Mexico
and beyond.
While convenient for employment, this proximity has caused several large environmental issues. Because of this, air quality in Waterflow is 1 on a scale to 100 (higher is better). This is based on ozone alert days and number of pollutants in the air. Groundwater near the San Juan coal mine in Waterflow is extremely polluted according to both the Sierra Club
and New Mexico Mining and Minerals Division.
The Sierra Club alleges that the San Juan Coal Company has improperly dumped more than 40 million tons of coal ash and sludge into unlined pits, resulting in the contamination of waterways and wells near the mine.
The group says that the waste, and the contaminated water, pose a danger to livestock, wildlife and families in the area, and in early December, the Sierra Club announced that it intends to sue the owners of the San Juan Coal Company.
The company denies responsibility for the contamination.
serves Waterflow as well as other communities in western San Juan County.
Unincorporated area
In law, an unincorporated area is a region of land that is not a part of any municipality.To "incorporate" in this context means to form a municipal corporation, a city, town, or village with its own government. An unincorporated community is usually not subject to or taxed by a municipal government...
in San Juan County
San Juan County, New Mexico
-2010:Whereas according to the 2010 U.S. Census Bureau:*51.6% White*0.6% Black*36.6% Native American*0.4% Asian*0.1% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander*3.5% Two or more races*7.2% Other races*19.1% Hispanic or Latino -2000:...
, New Mexico
New Mexico
New Mexico is a state located in the southwest and western regions of the United States. New Mexico is also usually considered one of the Mountain States. With a population density of 16 per square mile, New Mexico is the sixth-most sparsely inhabited U.S...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
on the north side of the San Juan River. It is immediately west of Fruitland
Fruitland, New Mexico
Fruitland is an unincorporated community in San Juan County, New Mexico, United States, on the north side of the San Juan River. It is immediately west of central Kirtland and north across the river from the Navajo Indian Reservation and Upper Fruitland. It is east of Waterflow.-History:The area...
and north across the river from the Navajo Indian Reservation. It is east of Shiprock
Shiprock, New Mexico
Shiprock is a census-designated place in San Juan County, New Mexico, United States, on the Navajo reservation. The population was 8,156 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Farmington Metropolitan Statistical Area....
.
Geography
Waterflow is located at 36.76117°N 108.49357°W.Waterflow is a high desert valley with the highest point being a geological hogback
Hogback (geology)
A hogback is a homoclinal ridge, formed from a monocline, composed of steeply tilted strata of rock protruding from the surrounding area. The name comes from the ridge resembling the high, knobby spine between the shoulders of a hog. In most cases, the two strata that compose a hogback are...
called "Hogback". The San Juan River and Shumway Arroyo are important water resources in the area.
History
The area now known as Waterflow is traditional NavajoNavajo Nation
The Navajo Nation is a semi-autonomous Native American-governed territory covering , occupying all of northeastern Arizona, the southeastern portion of Utah, and northwestern New Mexico...
territory. This place was called Chʼį́įdii Łichííʼ (Red Devil) in reference to Walter Stallings who operated a trading post in the area; nowadays, Tséyaa Akʼahí (beneath-rock oil) seems to be another designation in reference to the nearby oil fields, as can be seen on billboards in the area (pictured).
The early Anglo settlers in this area were predominantly Mormon, who called the area Jewett Valley. Since 1982, the Latter-day Saints have serviced their people in this area through the Kirtland Stake which covers from Kirtland
Kirtland, New Mexico
Kirtland is a census-designated place in San Juan County, New Mexico, United States. The population was 6,190 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Farmington Metropolitan Statistical Area.-History:...
west to Shiprock, New Mexico
Shiprock, New Mexico
Shiprock is a census-designated place in San Juan County, New Mexico, United States, on the Navajo reservation. The population was 8,156 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Farmington Metropolitan Statistical Area....
and beyond.
Demographics
In 2000, Waterflow reported a total population of 1,606 people. 798 were male, and 808 were female. 295 identified themselves as White, 1 identified themselves as Black, 1 identified themselves as Asian, 59 were Hispanic, and 1,251 were Navajo. 620 speak a language other than English at home. With 551 housing units and a land area land area of 219.58 sq. miles, there are approximately 7.31 people per sq. mile in Waterflow.Industry
Waterflow lies between two coal fired power plants and southwest of a large coal mine. The area also has many oil wells.While convenient for employment, this proximity has caused several large environmental issues. Because of this, air quality in Waterflow is 1 on a scale to 100 (higher is better). This is based on ozone alert days and number of pollutants in the air. Groundwater near the San Juan coal mine in Waterflow is extremely polluted according to both the Sierra Club
Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is the oldest, largest, and most influential grassroots environmental organization in the United States. It was founded on May 28, 1892, in San Francisco, California, by the conservationist and preservationist John Muir, who became its first president...
and New Mexico Mining and Minerals Division.
The Sierra Club alleges that the San Juan Coal Company has improperly dumped more than 40 million tons of coal ash and sludge into unlined pits, resulting in the contamination of waterways and wells near the mine.
The group says that the waste, and the contaminated water, pose a danger to livestock, wildlife and families in the area, and in early December, the Sierra Club announced that it intends to sue the owners of the San Juan Coal Company.
The company denies responsibility for the contamination.
Important area businesses
- BHP BillitonBHP BillitonBHP Billiton is a global mining, oil and gas company headquartered in Melbourne, Australia and with a major management office in London, United Kingdom...
- Bob French Navajo Rugs
- Circle W Pawn
- High Country Transportation CO
- Hogback Shopping Center
- Hogback Trading Co
- Original Sweetmeat Inc., founded 1974
- PNM San Juan Generating Station
- San Juan Coal CO Inc
- Thriftway Marketing Corporation NO 270
- United States Post Office, zip code 87421
- Valley Hair Care
- Valley Trading Post
- Wheeler Farms
- Four Corners Generating StationFour Corners Generating StationThe Four Corners Generating Station is a coal-fired power plant located near Fruitland, New Mexico, United States, on property located within the Navajo Indian Reservation that is leased from the Navajo Nation.-Description:...
Education
Central Consolidated SchoolsCentral Consolidated Schools
Central Consolidated Schools is a public school district based in Shiprock, New Mexico, United States.The district covers a area in western San Juan County...
serves Waterflow as well as other communities in western San Juan County.
Notable people from Waterflow
- Sam Howell (NASANASAThe National Aeronautics and Space Administration is the agency of the United States government that is responsible for the nation's civilian space program and for aeronautics and aerospace research...
) - Raymond G. Hunt (controversial local hero)
- Raymond G. Hunt II (leading local businessman, patron of the arts, environmental warrior)
- Raymond G. Hunt III (prominent local businessman)
- Raymond G. Hunt IV (heir apparent)
- Geoffrey Newman (local advocate)
- Miles Wheeler (land owner, farmer)
- Valerie Wheeler (land owner)
- Jared WrightJared WrightNot to be confused with Jaret Wright the baseball pitcher.Jared Wright is an actor in gay pornography.-Awards and nominations:* 1998 Grabby Awards winner of Best Newcomer.*1999 Men in Video Awards nomination for Nastiest Leather Stud....
(local activist)