Las Cruces Utilities (LCU) is on a quest to comply with the updated federal Lead and Copper Rule that kicked in on October 16, according to a recent disclosure. In a clear-cut approach to public health, LCU has begun inspections meant to root out any lead or galvanized steel water service lines within city limits. A reassuring detail for residents is that, thus far, no lead water service lines have been located by LCU in its sweep of the city's plumbing infrastructure, according to the City of Las Cruces.
Under the revisions mandated by the new Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule, indications are that LCU isn't just checking pipes willy-nilly, but executing a structured plan. With over 20,000 water service lines made of unknown materials and some 15,000 known non-lead pipes, they have a lot of ground to cover. The city's elementary schools and licensed childcare facilities are receiving special focus unless their plumbing systems are post-2014. LCU is spared from sampling these institutions, which presumably carry a lesser risk of toxic metal contamination.
Customers have been kept in the loop, especially those with service lines of unknown materials, whom LCU has contacted with information about the ongoing efforts. There's no immediate action required from the customers' end at this stage, except for those keen on self-inspection. For the DIY-inclined, LCU encourages sending photos of inspected water service lines via email or their online inventory map.
In terms of finance, while LCU seems to have the cost of replacing city-side lines under control, the narrative changes when the pipe leads into private property. The city isn't footing the bill for replacements on the customer's side, although LCU is searching for financial assistance opportunities to ease the potential burden on homeowners. With the clock of a 10-year timeframe ticking, LCU is looking to identify and overhaul any rogue lines that could compromise the well-being of its citizens, as service lines found to be lead or requiring replacement due to galvanization issues will need attention, faster rather than later.
