**Taos Tap Water: Altitude Lies Hiding Lead Harm?**
By Franklin Everett ShawImagine turning on your tap, expecting crystal-clear water, only to find a murky, unsettling hue. This isn’t a scene from a dystopian novel; it’s a potential reality for some residents of Taos, New Mexico. The culprit? Lead. Aging infrastructure, coupled with the town’s high altitude, creates a perfect storm for lead contamination in the water supply. But don’t despair. This isn’t a problem without solutions. We’re diving deep into the issue, providing a practical guide to testing your water, understanding the results, and taking concrete steps to protect yourself and your family.
Taos, nestled high in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, faces unique challenges when it comes to water quality. The town’s elevation, exceeding 6,900 feet, affects water pressure and can exacerbate corrosion in older pipes. This corrosion is the primary source of lead contamination, as lead pipes and lead solder used in older plumbing systems leach into the water supply. Unlike larger cities with extensive water treatment facilities, Taos relies on a more localized system, making it crucial for individual residents to take proactive measures.
So, how do you know if your Taos tap water is safe? The first step is testing. Don’t rely on assumptions or anecdotal evidence. Get your water tested by a certified laboratory. The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) provides a list of certified labs on their website. You can also contact your local Taos County Extension Office for guidance.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to testing your water for lead:
- Contact a certified lab: Call a lab from the NMED list and inquire about their lead testing services. Ask about the cost, sample collection procedures, and turnaround time for results. Expect to pay between $20 and $100 for a lead test.
- Obtain a sample kit: The lab will typically provide you with a sample kit, including a sterile container and instructions.
- Collect the sample: The most important step is to collect a “first-draw” sample. This means taking the sample first thing in the morning, after the water has been sitting in the pipes overnight (at least six hours). This will give you the highest possible lead concentration reading. Let the water run for 30 seconds to clear any stagnant water from the faucet itself, then collect the sample.
- Follow instructions carefully: Adhere strictly to the lab’s instructions for filling the container and labeling the sample. Improper collection can lead to inaccurate results.
- Submit the sample: Deliver the sample to the lab as soon as possible, following their specific instructions for drop-off or shipping.
Once you receive your test results, understanding them is crucial. Lead levels are measured in parts per billion (ppb). The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) action level for lead in drinking water is 15 ppb. If your results are at or above 15 ppb, you need to take immediate action. Even levels below 15 ppb are not considered entirely safe, especially for children and pregnant women.
What do you do if your water test reveals elevated lead levels? Don’t panic. Several effective mitigation strategies can significantly reduce your exposure.
- Install a certified lead removal filter: This is the most immediate and effective solution. Look for filters certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53 for lead reduction. These filters are available in various forms, including faucet filters, pitcher filters, and whole-house filters. Faucet filters are a cost-effective option for drinking and cooking water. Pitcher filters are convenient but require more frequent replacement. Whole-house filters are the most comprehensive solution but also the most expensive.
- Flush your pipes: Before using water for drinking or cooking, flush your pipes by running the cold water tap for several minutes. This will help to clear out any water that has been sitting in the pipes and may contain lead. The length of time needed to flush the pipes depends on the length of the pipes and the severity of the contamination. A good rule of thumb is to flush for at least 30 seconds to 2 minutes.
- Use cold water for drinking and cooking: Hot water leaches lead more readily than cold water. Always use cold water for preparing food, drinks, and baby formula.
- Clean your aerator: The aerator is the screen at the end of your faucet. It can trap lead particles and other debris. Clean it regularly by unscrewing it and rinsing it thoroughly.
- Consider replacing lead pipes: If your home has lead pipes or lead solder, consider replacing them. This is a more expensive solution, but it is the most permanent way to eliminate lead contamination. Contact a licensed plumber for an assessment and estimate.
Taos residents also have access to local resources and assistance programs. The Town of Taos and Taos County offer information and support regarding water quality issues. Contact your local government for details on available programs, including potential financial assistance for pipe replacement. The New Mexico Environment Department also provides resources and guidance on lead in drinking water.
One of the biggest challenges in Taos is the age of the housing stock. Many homes were built before lead pipes were banned, increasing the likelihood of lead contamination. Another challenge is the cost of testing and mitigation. Low-income residents may struggle to afford these expenses. This is where community-based solutions and government assistance programs are crucial.
Compared to cities like Flint, Michigan, Taos faces a different set of circumstances. Flint’s water crisis was largely due to a change in the water source and inadequate corrosion control measures. Taos’s problem is primarily related to aging infrastructure and the unique challenges posed by its high altitude. However, both situations highlight the importance of proactive water quality monitoring and effective mitigation strategies.
New Mexico has specific regulations regarding lead in drinking water. The state follows the EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule, which requires water systems to monitor lead levels and take action if they exceed the action level. New Mexico also has its own regulations regarding lead in schools and childcare facilities. It’s important to be aware of these regulations and to ensure that your home and community are in compliance.
Don’t wait for a crisis to occur. Take control of your water quality today. Test your water, understand the results, and implement appropriate mitigation strategies. Contact your local authorities and take advantage of available resources. By working together, we can ensure that the tap water in Taos is safe for everyone. Remember, clean water is not a luxury; it’s a fundamental right.