Lead Service Line Inventory for Santa Fe County South Sector
Santa Fe County South Sector serves about 6,775 residents in New Mexico. If you're wondering whether your home might have a lead service line—the underground pipe that brings water from the street to your house—this page explains what we know and how to find out.
What's a lead service line?
Lead service lines were commonly installed before the 1980s. Water can pick up lead as it travels through these pipes, especially in homes built before 1950 or if water sits in the pipes overnight. Lead in drinking water is a health concern, particularly for young children and pregnant people.
What we know about this water system
Santa Fe County South Sector has not yet completed a full inventory of its service lines. This means we don't have a public count of how many lead, galvanized, or other types of service lines serve this community. The utility may be in the early stages of conducting this inventory—a requirement under the Lead and Copper Rule.
An incomplete inventory is common. Many smaller water systems are still mapping their infrastructure. It does not mean there's no lead in the system; it means the data isn't publicly available yet.
How to find out about your home
Your best option is to contact Santa Fe County South Sector directly and ask:
- Does your system have a lead service line inventory available?
- What type of service line does your property have (lead, galvanized, copper, plastic)?
- When was the inventory last updated?
The utility should provide this information or tell you how to access it.
You can also have a licensed plumber inspect your home. They can often identify the service line material by looking at the water meter and the pipe entering your foundation.
If you're concerned about lead in your water
The CDC recommends testing your tap water if you live in an older home or are pregnant or have young children. A water test is inexpensive (usually $20–50) and gives you a clear answer. Contact your local health department for accredited labs.
Running cold water for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking can help flush out stagnant water in pipes. Some families use point-of-use filters (like pitcher filters), though filters require regular replacement to work.
Next steps for residents
- Call Santa Fe County South Sector and ask for their service line inventory or details about your specific property.
- Have a plumber inspect the material of your water line if you need immediate information.
- Test your tap water for lead if you want to know your actual exposure (CDC recommends this for homes built before 1980).
- Check your utility's website or the New Mexico Environment Department for updates on replacement programs or funding.
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
How do I know if my house has a lead service line?
Contact Santa Fe County South Sector and ask what type of service line serves your property. A licensed plumber can also inspect the pipe entering your home. If you're still unsure, a water test will tell you if lead is present in your drinking water.
Is lead in water dangerous?
Lead can harm development in children and cause other health effects in adults. For specific health concerns, talk to your pediatrician or contact the CDC. A water test will tell you if lead is actually in your tap water.
What should I do if my house has a lead service line?
Ask your utility about replacement programs or financial assistance. In the meantime, run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, use cold water for cooking, and consider a water filter. Check with New Mexico or your local health department about available programs.
Why doesn't the utility have a complete inventory yet?
Many smaller water systems are still mapping their infrastructure. Lead service line inventories are required but take time to complete. Contact the utility to ask about their timeline.