In compliance with new federal regulations, Sandia Peak Utility Company has conducted a comprehensive inventory of all water service lines in our service area to determine whether any contain lead. However, we are continuing our ongoing investigation in this area. Service lines are the pipes that connect the water main in the street to your property. These lines are the responsibility of Sandia Peak Utility Company up to the water meter. The yard line that extends from the meter that connect to the home are the property owner’s responsibility.
Our team has recently reviewed historical records and performed field investigations to gather information about each service line on the Utility’s side of the meter and recently conducted a customer outreach program to help identify the yard line material running from the meter into the home or building. Our investigations have not identified ANY lead service lines in our area. In addition, the Utility is required to collect lead samples from our water system every three years and historically we have never had an issue with lead contaminants. As of this notification, the material type of the service line connected to your meter has been classified as either: Unknown or Non-Lead.
If you would like to know the classification of your service line, please contact our Customer Service Department at customerservice@sandiapeak.com.
Next Steps
- If lead service lines would have been identified during our survey, affected customers would have received a door hanger and a follow-up letter with further details. If lead service lines are identified in the future, the affected residents will receive similar notifications.
- No further action is required for service lines identified as Non-Lead.
- Service lines classified as Unknown remain under investigation. If the service line on your side of the meter is Unknown see the Additional Information below and the attached information.
Please see the attached information regarding service line locations and the potential health impacts of lead in drinking water. Lead in drinking water can cause serious health issues, making it vital to identify and remove lead-containing pipes to protect public health.
Additional Information
If you have documentation regarding the material type of your service line (e.g., from recent construction or repairs), we encourage you to share it with us by contacting our Customer Service Department at customerservice@sandiapeak.com or fill out our survey at sandiaheightsservices.com under the “Utilities” header. For more information contact our Customer Service Department at (505) 856-6419.
Thank you for your cooperation as we work to ensure the safety and quality of your water service.
Notice of Unknown or Non-Lead Service Line Material
Important Notice: Information About Your Drinking Water
Sandia Peak Utility Company is committed to protecting the health of every household in our community. This notice provides IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT LEAD IN YOUR DRINKING WATER. Please share this information with anyone who consumes water at this property, including residents, tenants, or facility users such as those in rentals, schools, and businesses.
Identifying Service Line Materials
Sandia Peak Utility Company-continues working to identify the materials of service lines throughout our system. We have identified all lines between the water main and the water meter but not customer owned yard lines from the water meter to your residence or building. As of this time, our investigations have not identified ANY lead service lines in our area. The service line connecting your property to the water meter is currently classified as Unknown or Non-Lead. If Unknown, it may contain lead or galvanized piping previously connected to lead. Residents in homes with these types of pipes may have an increased risk of lead exposure from drinking water.
To help identify your service line material, please contact our Customer Service Department at customerservice@sandiapeak.com. Additionally, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides a guide to help identify lead pipes in your home:
https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/protect-your-tap-quick-check-lead
Health Effects of Lead
There is no safe level of lead in drinking water. Exposure to lead in drinking water can cause serious health effects in all age groups, especially pregnant people, infants (both formula-fed and breast fed) and young children. Some of the health effects to infants and children include decreases in IQ and attention span. Lead exposure can also result in new or worsened learning and behavior problems. The children of persons who are exposed to lead before or during pregnancy may be at increased risk of these harmful health effects. Adults have increased risks of heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney or nervous system problems. Contact your health care provider for more information about your risks.
Sources of Lead
Lead in drinking water can come from several sources, including lead service lines, household plumbing fixtures, or solder containing lead used in older pipes. Water itself does not typically contain lead, but it can pick it up as it flows through these materials. If your home was built before 1986, it may be at higher risk due to the use of lead pipes or plumbing components. The Safe Drinking Water Act section 1417 of 1986, revised in 2011, defines “lead-free” as having a maximum of 0.25% lead in the wetted surfaces of pipes, fittings, and fixtures, but even with “lead-free” plumbing, small amounts of lead can still leach into water. Because lead levels may vary, exposure is possible even when tap sampling results do not detect lead at one point in time. Lead exposure can also be caused by other sources such as old paint in homes built before 1978.
Actions You Can Take to Reduce Lead in Drinking Water
- Use American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Certified Water Filters: Install and properly maintain a filter certified by ANSI to remove lead. Avoid using hot water through the filter. Learn more about home water filtration systems:
https://www.epa.gov/water-research/consumer-tool-identifying-point-use-and-pitcher-filters-certified-reduce-lead - Clean Your Faucet Aerator: Regularly clean your faucet’s aerator to remove debris and potential lead particles.
- Use Cold Water for Cooking and Drinking: Always use cold water from the tap for drinking, cooking, and preparing baby formula. Boiling water does not remove lead.
- Run Your Water: Flush your pipes by running water if it has been sitting for a prolonged period. Lead levels increase over time as water sits in lead-containing plumbing materials and regular water usage in the building can reduce lead levels in drinking water.
- Learn About Nearby Construction: Construction can disturb service lines, increasing the risk of lead release. Contact us to learn about activities in your area.
- Test Your Water: If you are concerned about lead in your water, you may get a water test kit. Visit the EPA’s resource for additional guidance: https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/home-drinking-water-testing
- Consider Testing Your Child’s Blood for Lead: Speak with a healthcare provider about blood testing for your child if you have concerns about lead exposure. Visit the CDC’s resource for additional guidance:
https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/advisory/acclpp/actions-blls.htm - Explore Financial Assistance for Pipe Replacement: There may be financing options available through local, state, or federal programs, or other organizations, to assist with replacing service lines.
Additional Information
For more details about reducing lead exposure around your home/building and the health effects of lead, visit EPA’s website at http://www.epa.gov/lead or contact your health care provider.
Sandia Peak Utility Company is here to assist you in understanding and addressing any concerns about your water service. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions or for more information.