May 4—New Mexico will receive $28.6 million in federal infrastructure money to make drinking water safer by replacing lead service lines that supply water to communities.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is providing funding, through the federal Infrastructure Act, for a New Mexico program to improve this part of the state’s water systems.
The money will go to a state revolving loan fund that provides low-cost financing to improve water infrastructure with the goal of improving water quality and protecting public health.
The state Department of the Environment will help communities apply for funding, and the State Finance Authority will administer funds for the projects.
“Any federal funding to address New Mexico’s drinking water issues is important,” Department of Environment spokeswoman Sydney Lienemann wrote in an email.
The funding will help New Mexico achieve Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s vision under the state’s 50-year water plan, including investing in drinking water infrastructure, Lienamann added.
U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández, D-N.M., said in a statement that the $28.6 million for clean water will be essential for every community in the state.
“While many often overlook these most basic necessities, investments in water and infrastructure are the best way to develop our communities,” she said.
Lienemann wrote that the agency does not yet know the full extent of lead service lines across the state and how far that funding will go to replace them.
All community water systems are required to conduct lead service line inventories and submit their findings to the Department of Environment by October 16.
Once these inventories are completed, the agency will have a better understanding of the prevalence of lead water pipes in New Mexico, Lienemann wrote.
“Every New Mexican deserves the right to a clean, reliable supply of drinking water,” U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., said in a statement. “This funding will keep working families in our state safe and healthy, while creating a strong foundation for our communities to grow.”
