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Water Quality Update Regarding New Mexico Environment Department and Albuquerque Public Schools
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Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) has participated in a voluntary sampling program funded by the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) to test for Lead in elementary schools. Several results from inside of schools have been found at levels above the EPA action level of 15 parts per billion. The Water Authority coordinated with NMED and APS and took samples of the water in distribution at the schools. We also provided sample bottles to APS to complete the list of elementary schools.
SUMMARY:
The water supply is safe to drink and meets all EPA standards. The water samples that were taken at the schools were all well below the EPA standards. With respect to monitoring for lead, the Water Authority goes beyond EPA requirements to test for Lead including the following:
• Quarterly distribution sampling
• Voluntary household program
• Additional distribution sampling - NMED/APS program
None of the voluntary or Safe Drinking Water Act mandated testing has shown levels above the EPA action level. The high levels of Lead found by APS are due to internal fixtures, not due to the water supplied by the Water Authority as shown by our separate sampling program completed for the schools.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None