SANTA FE WATER SYSTEM (CITY OF) — Lead Service Line Inventory
What you need to know
The City of Santa Fe Water System serves about 90,790 people in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Your home may have a lead service line—the pipe that connects the public water main under the street to your house. Lead service lines are a real source of lead in drinking water, especially in homes built before the 1980s.
Right now, the Santa Fe Water System has not yet completed a full inventory of lead service lines in its service area. This means the utility doesn't yet have a public count of how many homes are affected.
Why this matters
Lead is a toxic metal that doesn't break down. When water sits in lead pipes, especially in older homes or after the water has been off for hours, lead can leach into your drinking water. Children and pregnant people are at highest risk from lead exposure. Even small amounts matter.
The good news: lead service lines can be replaced, and filtering or flushing water can reduce lead exposure right now while you wait.
What Santa Fe is doing
The EPA requires all water utilities to develop and share lead service line inventories. Santa Fe is working on this requirement, though the current status of their plan and any funding they've received are not yet public.
You can contact the Santa Fe Water System directly to ask:
- Whether your specific address has a lead service line
- When the full inventory will be complete
- What replacement or interim protection options are available to you
Next steps for residents
- Contact Santa Fe Water System to ask if your home has a lead service line. They may have partial records even if the full inventory isn't public yet.
- Get your water tested for lead (the utility may offer free testing).
- Use a certified filter or flush your pipes if you're concerned about lead right now. The CDC has guidance on both.
- Talk to your pediatrician if you have young children; they can advise on testing and next steps.
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Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does Santa Fe Water System have lead service lines?
Santa Fe has not yet completed a public inventory of lead service lines in its service area, so the exact number is unknown. However, the city is required by the EPA to develop this inventory. Contact the utility to ask about your specific address.
How can I find out if my house has a lead service line?
Call or email the Santa Fe Water System and give them your address. They may have records showing your line material. If records are unclear, a plumber can also inspect the visible part of your service line or do a water test.
Is lead in Santa Fe water safe for kids?
Lead is not safe for children at any level. If you think your water may contain lead, test it, use a certified filter, and talk to your pediatrician about your child's risk.
What should I do right now if I'm worried about lead?
Flush your water (run the tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before drinking), use a certified lead-removing filter on your drinking water, and contact your water utility for testing options. Long-term, ask the utility about lead service line replacement programs.