FARMINGTON WATER SYSTEM Lead Service Line Inventory
Farmington Water System serves approximately 47,655 people in New Mexico. If you're wondering whether your home's water pipes contain lead, this page explains what we know about the system's inventory and how to find out about your own property.
What is a lead service line?
A lead service line is the pipe that connects your home to the public water main buried in the street. These pipes were commonly installed before the 1980s because lead was cheap and easy to work with. Water flowing through lead pipes can pick up lead, which is a serious health concern—especially for young children and pregnant people.
What does Farmington Water System have inventoried?
As of now, Farmington Water System has not yet completed or made public a comprehensive inventory of lead service lines in their distribution area. The utility is responsible for identifying and cataloging these pipes, but this data has not yet been disclosed.
This doesn't mean the system is ignoring the issue—many utilities nationwide are still in early stages of mapping their infrastructure. The federal government has been pushing utilities to complete these inventories, and funding has become available to help pay for the work.
How to find out about your home
Your best next step is to contact Farmington Water System directly. They can tell you:
- Whether your address has a lead service line
- What the current timeline is for completing the full inventory
- Whether any replacement or mitigation programs are available
- How to request a free or low-cost water test
You can also have your water tested independently through a certified lab—this is a straightforward and affordable way to know if lead is present in your home's water, regardless of what the pipes are made of.
Next steps for residents
- Contact your utility: Reach out to Farmington Water System to ask about your specific address and the inventory status.
- Request a water test: Ask the utility about free testing, or hire a certified lab to test your tap water.
- Check the CDC website: Visit www.cdc.gov for trusted information on lead exposure and health protection.
- Document your pipes: If you can see your service line (often visible in the basement or where it enters the house), note its color and material—a plumber can help identify it.
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 I have a lead service line?
Contact Farmington Water System with your address—they can tell you what material your service line is made of. You can also visually inspect the pipe where it enters your home; lead is soft, gray, and dents easily when scraped. A plumber can help confirm the material.
Is the water safe to drink right now?
The only way to know if lead is in your drinking water is to test it. Contact your utility to ask about free or low-cost testing options. Until you know, consider using a water filter certified for lead or drinking bottled water if you have young children or are pregnant.
What should I do if my home has a lead service line?
Contact Farmington Water System to ask about replacement programs or financial assistance. You can also install a certified water filter or use bottled water for drinking and cooking. A pediatrician can advise on health precautions for children in your home.
How long does it take to replace a lead service line?
Replacement typically takes 1-3 days, but the entire process—including permits and scheduling—can take weeks or months. Contact your utility to learn about their current timeline and any programs that help offset the cost.