Lead Service Line Inventory: University of New Mexico
About this water system
The University of New Mexico water system serves approximately 35,000 people. Like all public water systems in the US, it is required by the EPA to maintain an inventory of lead service lines—the underground pipes that connect the water main to individual buildings.
Current inventory status
As of now, the University of New Mexico has not yet completed or published a lead service line inventory. This does not mean there are no lead lines in the system; it means the data has not been compiled or made public yet.
The EPA's Lead and Copper Rule requires all water systems to identify which service lines contain lead, and to replace them on a set schedule. Systems serving larger populations (like UNM's 35,000) have until 2026 to complete their initial inventory.
Why this matters
Lead service lines are the single largest source of lead in drinking water for many homes and buildings. Water traveling through lead pipes can pick up lead, especially if the water is corrosive or if pipes are old or damaged. Children and pregnant people are at highest risk from lead exposure.
If your building is served by UNM's water system, you won't know whether you have a lead service line until the utility completes and publishes its inventory.
What you can do now
Contact the utility directly. Ask UNM if they know whether your specific building or service address has a lead service line. They may have partial data even if the full inventory isn't public yet.
Have your water tested. An independent test can tell you whether lead is present in your tap water right now—regardless of the pipe material. If you have young children or are pregnant, consider testing sooner rather than later. The CDC provides guidance on testing and lead safety.
Ask about replacement plans. Even without a complete inventory, UNM should have a timeline for replacing lead lines and a process for homeowners or building managers to request accelerated replacement.
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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 University of New Mexico have lead in their water?
It's unknown whether the system has lead service lines. UNM has not yet published its inventory. Lead in tap water depends on your specific service line material, water chemistry, and pipe condition. A water test can tell you if lead is present in your water right now.
How do I know if my building has a lead service line?
Contact UNM's water utility directly and ask about your service address. You can also request a water test through a certified lab; this tells you whether lead is coming out of your tap, even if you don't know the pipe material.
Is it safe to drink water from a lead service line?
It depends on your water's chemistry and the condition of the pipe. Some lead service lines pose little risk; others leach lead into drinking water. A water test is the only way to know if lead is in your water. For health concerns, contact your doctor or the CDC.
When will UNM replace lead service lines?
The EPA requires UNM to complete its inventory by 2026. Contact the utility to ask about their replacement timeline and whether you can request priority replacement for your building.