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Residents press Las Cruces Utilities on lead, galvanized service-line inventory; utilities say rule compliance underway
Summary
Public commenters told the city its service-line inspection method fails the federal lead and copper rule and urged independent review; Las Cruces Utilities says it has applied for funding, is hiring a consultant and is coordinating with state and federal regulators.
Several residents told the Las Cruces City Council on Aug. 4 that the city’s method for identifying lead and galvanized service lines does not meet Environmental Protection Agency requirements and leaves households at risk, and they asked the city to hire an independent engineer to review its work. In response, Las Cruces Utilities officials said the utility has applied for state financing, received commitment letters from funding programs and is hiring a third‑party consultant to produce a formal service‑line replacement plan required by the new rule.
Why it matters: The EPA’s revised Lead and Copper Rule requires water systems to accurately identify and replace hazardous service lines feeding private properties. If the city’s inventory undercounts lead or galvanized lines, residents could miss required notifications and replacement assistance.
During the public‑comment period, Lynn Moorer said the city’s practice of inspecting service lines only inside the meter box is “deficient” and can miss lead‑lined segments or lead components farther up the line; she urged visual inspection “in at least two locations” per EPA guidance. Anliz Rodriguez Johnson said the city removed disadvantaged‑community indicators from its inventory in mid‑June and alleged the city has at least 56 properties with galvanized service lines that require replacement but has not sent the notifications the rule requires. Both speakers provided handouts they said cite EPA requirements.
Utilities Director Adrian Widmer told the council the utility’s inventory was built from historic records and the city’s GIS and that staff are updating the map as they inspect subdivisions and construction records. Widmer said Las Cruces has applied to the New Mexico Water Trust Board and the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund and that award letters and a binding commitment exist; he added that the utility has submitted its inspection process to regulators for review and is hiring a third‑party consultant to complete a service line replacement plan that must be finished by Nov. 1, 2027.
Council and city management said they would provide additional public updates during the city manager’s comments and that staff will work to address concerns raised during public comment.
The meeting record shows no formal council action on the topic; the statements recorded were public comment and staff response.
Looking ahead: Utilities said it will continue inventory updates, proceed with the consultant engagement and follow the state and EPA review process. Residents requested immediate notification to owners of galvanized‑requiring‑replacement lines and a public, independent review of the city’s approach.
