ALBUQUERQUE WATER SYSTEM Lead Service Line Inventory
Albuquerque Water System serves about 560,000 people in New Mexico. If you're worried about lead in your home's water supply, you're asking the right question—and you're not alone.
What you need to know
Lead service lines are pipes that connect the water main in the street to your home. If your line is made of lead, water can pick up lead as it travels to your tap. This is a real health concern, especially for young children and pregnant people. The good news: lead in water is preventable and treatable.
Albuquerque Water System currently has not completed a public inventory of lead service lines in its service area. This means the utility hasn't yet published a detailed count of how many lead lines exist or where they're located. This doesn't mean there are no lead lines—it means the count and location data aren't available online yet.
Your water source
Albuquerque Water System uses surface water as its primary source. The utility is required by the EPA to develop and maintain an inventory of lead service lines, and to share that information with the public.
How to find out if you have a lead line
Contact Albuquerque Water System directly. Ask them:
- Does my address have a lead service line on record?
- If they don't have that information, ask when they expect to complete their inventory.
- Request information about their lead replacement program and whether you qualify for help paying for replacement.
You can also check your home's age and construction records. Homes built before 1986 are more likely to have lead lines, but age alone isn't a guarantee.
Protecting your water in the meantime
If you're concerned about lead:
- Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking (especially first thing in the morning).
- Use cold water for drinking and cooking; hot water pulls more lead from pipes.
- Have your water tested by a certified lab if you want to know your actual lead level.
For health questions—especially if you have young children—talk to your pediatrician or contact the CDC.
Next steps for residents
- Call Albuquerque Water System and ask about the lead service line inventory for your address
- Get your water tested by a certified lab if you want to know your lead level
- Check your home's age and building records to learn when water lines were installed
- Ask about replacement assistance if a lead line is confirmed on your property
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does Albuquerque Water System have lead in the water?
Albuquerque Water System hasn't published a complete public inventory yet, so the total number and location of lead service lines aren't available online. Contact the utility directly to find out if your address has a lead line.
How do I know if my home has a lead service line?
Contact Albuquerque Water System with your address—they can check their records. Homes built before 1986 are more likely to have lead lines, but age isn't a guarantee.
Is it safe to drink tap water in Albuquerque?
Albuquerque Water System treats its water to meet federal safety standards. If you're concerned about lead in your specific home, ask the utility about your service line and consider having your tap water tested by a certified lab.
How much does it cost to replace a lead service line?
Replacement costs vary by location and extent of work. Contact Albuquerque Water System to ask if they have a replacement program or if you qualify for financial assistance.