Public Notice: Notice for Lead Action Level Exceedance at SIERRA Public Water System in Santa Fe County, NM

Summary

DRINKING WATER WARNING

You are receiving this notification because recent drinking water samples taken by the SIERRA Public Water System (PWS ID: NM3502026) located in Santa Fe County, New Mexico, found elevated levels of lead in some homes and/or buildings.

EPA regulations require that people who get their drinking water from the SIERRA Public Water System, be notified because 10% or more of the drinking water samples from tap water were found to contain lead exceeding EPA’s lead action level (0.015mg/L). If the water system and state fail to notify customers, then EPA will send this notice.

What does this mean for me?

This notice provides you with information about recent sampling done in your area. Not every property served by SIERRA Public Water System has lead in its drinking water, but you should be aware of the most recent findings. 

Lead from service lines and lead plumbing and fixtures can dissolve or break off into water and end up at the faucet. Ingesting lead in drinking water can have serious negative health impacts, especially for children. These impacts can include delayed learning, memory loss, gastric distress and hearing loss. 

More information about requirements for my drinking water system

Some water systems use a technology called corrosion control to reduce lead in drinking water. EPA requires water systems to sample tap water from a selection of homes to ensure their methods of corrosion control are working.  The level 0.015mg/L is known as the “lead action level.” It is a measure of the corrosiveness of the water. If 10% of water samples find lead at 0.015mg/L or more, then the water system is required to notify the community, conduct public education, adjust treatment and/or replace lead service lines. 

How can I find out if my drinking water has lead?

1. Contact your water system. PWS Contact Name: Carol Andrade, Phone number: 505-470-9422, Email address: carol@vistaliving.com. They can share information about potential sources of lead in drinking water, including whether your home relies on a lead service line to deliver water from the water main. If your water system does not have that information, a licensed plumber may be able to assist. Ask your water system about their plans for relacing lead service lines and the effectiveness of their corrosion control treatment.
2. Have your water tested. The only way to know for sure if there is lead in your tap water, is to sample the water. Contact SIERRA Public Water System at 505-470-9422 or via email at carol@vistaliving.com to learn more about having your water tested. 
3. Get your child/children tested to determine lead levels in their blood. A family doctor or pediatrician can perform a blood test for lead and provide information about the health effects of lead. State, Tribal, city or county departments of health can also provide information about how you can have your child's blood tested for lead. 

What can I do to reduce my exposure to lead in drinking water?

1. Use a filter. Using a filter certified to remove lead can reduce potential exposure. Note: Do not run hot water through the filter. For more information on facts and advice on home water filtration systems, visit EPA’s website at https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/home-drinking-water-filtration-fact-sheet and EPA’s Consumer Tool for Identifying Drinking Water Filters Certified to Reduce Lead: https://www.epa.gov/water-research/consumer-tool-identifying-point-use-and-pitcher-filters-certified-reduce-lead. 
2. Clean your aerator. Regularly remove and clean your faucet’s screen (also known as an aerator). Sediment, debris, and lead particles can collect in your aerator. 
3. Use cold water. Lead dissolves more easily into hot water, so use only cold water for drinking, cooking, or making baby formula. Boiling water does not remove lead from water. 
4. Run your water. The more time water has been sitting in your home’s pipes, the more lead it could contain. Before drinking, flush your home’s pipes by running the tap, taking a shower, doing laundry, or doing a load of dishes. EPA has developed a plumbing volume estimator tool and guidance available here: https://www.epa.gov/water-research/plumbing-volume-estimator-tool. 
5. Learn about construction in your neighborhood. If you have a lead service line, you should be aware of any nearby construction or maintenance work that could disturb the line. Ground tremors from construction may suddenly cause more lead to be released from lead or galvanized service lines in the area. 

Visit EPA’s website for more information about lead in drinking water.

Exposure to lead in drinking water can cause serious health effects in all age groups. Infants and children can have decreases in IQ and attention span. Lead exposure can lead to new learning and behavior problems or exacerbate existing learning and behavior problems. The children of women who are exposed to lead before or during pregnancy can have increased risk of these adverse health effects. Adults can have increased risks of heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney, or nervous system problems.

For more information on all sources of lead, visit https://www.epa.gov/lead. 

* Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail. *

• View this notice as a pdf at  Notice for Lead Action Level Exceedance at SIERRA Public Water System in Santa Fe County, NM (pdf) (190.6 KB, April 23, 2026) .