Waterflow, New Mexico facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Waterflow, New Mexico
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Waterflow Post Office
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 Waterflow, New Mexico
Location in New Mexico
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| Country | United States |
| State | New Mexico |
| County | San Juan |
| Area | |
| • Total | 8.725 sq mi (22.60 km2) |
| • Land | 8.323 sq mi (21.56 km2) |
| • Water | 0.402 sq mi (1.04 km2) |
| Elevation | 5,063 ft (1,543 m) |
| Population
(2010)
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| • Total | 1,670 |
| • Density | 191.4/sq mi (73.90/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-7 (Mountain (MST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-6 (MDT) |
| ZIP Code |
87421
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| Area code(s) | 505 |
| GNIS feature ID | 2584234 |
Waterflow is a small community in San Juan County, New Mexico, United States. It is located on the north side of the San Juan River. Waterflow is west of Fruitland and across the river from the Navajo Nation. It is also east of Shiprock.
Contents
History of Waterflow
The land where Waterflow is located has long been part of Navajo territory. The Navajo people had their own names for this place. One name was Chʼį́įdii Łichííʼ, which means "Red Devil." This name was linked to Walter Stallings, who ran a trading post there. Another Navajo name used today is Tséyaa Akʼahí, meaning "beneath-rock oil." This name refers to the oil fields nearby.
Early settlers from outside the Navajo Nation called this area "Jewett Valley." They started the Jewett Valley Cemetery around 1886. Some of these early families were LDS, while others were Catholic.
Catholicism began in Waterflow on February 22, 1912, with the first Mass held in a temporary building. Three Catholic men, Joseph and Lorenzo Stallings and David Watson, helped start a church. They called the area "Kentucky Mesa." The Sacred Heart Church was officially opened on May 16, 1917.
By 1923, maps like P. F. Collier's atlas showed the town as "Jewett." The local Catholic church was part of a larger mission until 1945, when it got its own resident priest. Since 1982, Latter-day Saints in the area have been served by the Kirtland Stake, which covers areas from Kirtland to Shiprock, New Mexico.
Geography of Waterflow
Waterflow is in a high desert valley. The highest point in the area is a geological formation called a "hogback". This specific one is known simply as "Hogback". The San Juan River and Shumway Arroyo are important water sources for the community.
People of Waterflow
In 2010, Waterflow had a total population of 1,670 people. There were 823 males and 807 females. The community is diverse, with people identifying as White, Black, Asian, Hispanic, and Navajo. Many residents, about 620 people, speak a language other than English at home. The area has about 551 homes, and with 8.323 square miles of land, there are about 190 people living per square mile.
Industry and Environment
Waterflow is located near two power plants that use coal to make electricity. There is also a large coal mine nearby and many oil wells. These industries provide jobs for people in the area.
However, being close to these industries can affect the environment. For example, the air quality in Waterflow is sometimes a concern. This is measured by how many days have ozone alerts and the amount of pollutants in the air. Also, water underground near the San Juan coal mine has been found to have some pollution.
Some groups, like the Sierra Club, have raised concerns about how coal ash and other waste have been stored. They say that this waste might affect local waterways and wells. They believe this could be a risk to animals and families in the area. The company that owns the coal mine has stated that they are not responsible for the pollution.
Local Businesses
Waterflow has several important businesses that serve the community:
- BHP
- Bob French Navajo Rugs
- Circle W Pawn
- High Country Transportation
- Hogback Shopping Center
- Hogback Trading
- Original Sweetmeat, started in 1974
- PNM San Juan Generating Station
- San Juan Coal
- Thriftway Marketing Corporation NO 270
- United States Post Office, zip code 87421
- Valley Hair Care
- Valley Trading Post
- Wheeler Farms
- Four Corners Generating Station
Education in Waterflow
The Central Consolidated Schools district provides education for students in Waterflow. This district also serves other communities in the western part of San Juan County.
See also
- In Spanish: Waterflow (Nuevo México) para niños
