Residents in a subdivision that has run out of water near Las Vegas, N.M., are asking Gov. Bill Richardson for help.

El Creston Mutual Domestic Water Users' Association voted Sept. 14 to declare an emergency and ask the governor and San Miguel County to provide drinking water to the 16 homes — that have recently lost their well water — south of Las Vegas near Romeroville.

The association said some of the families have been hauling water from a nearby campground and driving into Las Vegas for showers. Among the residents are low-income people and veterans.

The association is asking for help from the state to develop a local water supply and distribution system. The association said wells began to go dry last summer as Las Vegas pumped from a nearby municipal well field.