NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – The state has received nearly $25 million to help water systems replace lead pipes. It’s part of a new EPA rule announced earlier this week that requires utilities to remove lead service lines which are known to cause adverse health effects.
Community water systems throughout New Mexico have until October 16 to provide an inventory of lead pipes to the state Environment Department. Then the systems can tap into the federal funds to pay for the replacement.
“With the information we have available to us about the effects of lead on people’s health, it’s important that we start identifying where those lead lines are and, like I said, get those out of our distribution systems,” said Joe Martinez Environment Drinking Water Bureau Chief.
It’s unclear how much lead is in the state’s water systems but the Drinking Water Bureau will have a better idea once that October 16 deadline hits.
