Lead and Copper Rule Revision

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized updates to the Lead and Copper Rule in 2021 to strengthen protections against lead in drinking water. Like all public water systems, the Jemez Springs Domestic Water Association is working to meet these requirements by identifying materials used throughout our water system and evaluating any potential risk from lead.

At this time, routine water quality testing has not indicated the presence of lead at concerning levels within our system. In compliance with federal requirements, the Association has completed and submitted its initial Lead Service Line Inventory and is continuing to work within EPA and New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) requirements to identify and resolve any service lines with unknown materials.

Under the LCRR, water systems must document pipe materials, assess areas where information is unknown, and, if necessary, plan for the replacement of lead or lead-containing service lines. The intent is to prevent lead from entering drinking water by improving system management and, where needed, removing potential sources of contamination.

Water service lines are divided into utility-owned and customer-owned portions. The Jemez Springs Domestic Water Association owns and maintains the service line up to and including the meter and the first fitting associated with the meter setter. The customer-owned portion begins immediately downstream of that first fitting and extends into the residence or building, regardless of the physical location of the meter.

In accordance with federal requirements and guidance from the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED), the Association is responsible for identifying service line materials on both the utility-owned and customer-owned portions of the system. The Association will replace any lead service lines within its ownership and control as required by regulation. Property owners remain responsible for the maintenance and replacement of the customer-owned portion of the service line.

If a lead or lead-containing service line is identified, the Association will notify the property owner and coordinate next steps as appropriate. Replacement of the customer-owned portion is not automatically performed by the Association unless required by law or made possible through specific grant or funding programs.

Prior to the early 1990s, lead was commonly used in plumbing materials. Over time, it became clear that lead can leach into water, particularly when water remains stagnant in pipes for several hours. Because of this, federal regulations were first established in 1991 to limit exposure by setting action levels for lead and copper and requiring corrective actions when those levels are exceeded.

The current revisions build on those protections by placing greater emphasis on identifying all service line materials, increasing transparency with customers, and improving communication if potential risks are identified. Water systems are required to investigate and address any exceedances, implement corrosion control where appropriate, and provide clear public education.

As part of this effort, our Association will continue refining its Lead Service Line Inventory, using available records, historical data, and field verification to further reduce unknowns and ensure accuracy.

Updates will be provided through customer notices, billing inserts, and online postings. In some cases, we may also reach out to customers directly to request information about privately owned service lines, as customer participation is an important part of completing this effort.

EPA-LCRR Infographic
En español: Plomo en el agua potable
LCRR FAQ
LCRR Consumer Survey (printable)–electronic submission below