Las Cruces Utilities faces scrutiny over lead pipe inventory inaccuracies

In a recent Las Cruces City Council meeting, significant concerns were raised regarding the city's compliance with the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) new lead and copper rule. This rule mandates that water authorities replace all lead piping within a decade, placing the financial burden of replacement on property owners for their private lines, while the city is responsible for public infrastructure. Federal funding is available to assist with these costs, yet residents are increasingly worried about the city's handling of the situation.

Liz Rodriguez Johnson, a concerned citizen, highlighted critical deficiencies in the methods used by Las Cruces Utilities to assess the condition of the city's piping. She pointed out that the city has not adequately addressed significant gaps in its inventory map, which currently omits service line information for 65 properties. This lack of transparency is troubling, as the EPA requires a complete and accurate inventory to be accessible online for public review.

Rodriguez Johnson urged the council to engage an independent engineer to evaluate the city's compliance efforts, citing a troubling pattern of mischaracterization in the inventory map. She noted that pipes installed before the 1986 lead ban are often incorrectly labeled as non-lead, potentially misleading property owners about the safety of their water supply. This misrepresentation could lead to serious health risks for residents who may unknowingly believe their pipes are safe.

The council was informed that despite previous alerts about these issues, no substantial actions have been taken to rectify them. Rodriguez Johnson expressed concern that the city's inaction might stem from a desire to minimize the perceived extent of lead piping in the community, potentially compromising public health in the process.

In addition to these pressing concerns, Rodriguez Johnson mentioned that residents have been misinformed about the availability of financial assistance for lead pipe replacement, further complicating the situation for those affected.

The meeting underscored the urgent need for the city to address these deficiencies and ensure compliance with federal regulations. As the deadline for a complete inventory approaches, the council faces mounting pressure to take decisive action to protect the health and safety of its residents. The call for independent oversight reflects a growing demand for accountability in the city's management of its water infrastructure.