Alto Lake
Join the Sierra Club Rio Grande Chapter for a special guided tour exploring the Village of Ruidoso’s water treatment facilities! Led by Ruidoso Water Operators and trip leader John Pijawka, this full-day event will offer an inside look at how our community’s drinking water is sourced, treated, and protected.
Tour Highlights:
Start with an easy 2.1-mile round-trip hike along the scenic Eagle Creek Trail behind Alto Lake (50’–75’ elevation gain). Enjoy seasonal wildflowers, songbirds, and maybe spot wild horses.
Visit two drinking groundwater wells along the trail and learn about their role in the water system.
Tour the Alto Surface Water Treatment Plant and discuss the different treatment methods for ground and surface water sources.
Break for lunch (please bring your own lunch/snacks).
After lunch, tour the Grindstone Reservoir and Surface Water Treatment Plant, explore the Grindstone Dam, and discuss recreation, dam safety, and differences between the two plants.
Learn about EPA Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) requirements, sampling and testing protocols, public notice processes, and Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs).
Important Details:
Date: Wednesday, June 11, 2025
Time: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Alto & Grindstone Surface Water Treatment Plants, Village of Ruidoso
Meeting Point: Alto Lake Recreation Parking Lot (GPS: N 33.3957, W 105.6768)
Hosted by: Sierra Club Rio Grande Chapter
Sign Up Required: https://www.riograndesierraclub.org/calendar
Participant Limit: 10 people
Lunch Break: 12:00 PM – 12:45 PM (bring your own food)
What to Bring: Weather-appropriate hiking gear, lunch/snacks, water, and any personal essentials for a full-day outdoor event.