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1. Why does the Water Quality Laboratory sample drinking water?

The federal Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA, Public Law 93-523) was enacted in 1974, and went into effect in 1976. The purpose of the Act was to establish national, enforceable, standards for drinking water quality, and to guarantee that water suppliers monitor water to ensure that it meets national standards.

2. What analyses are done on our drinking water?

Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) Amendments passed in 1986 mandated the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish standards for 83 drinking water contaminants by 1992 and identify an additional 25 contaminants for regulation every 3 years thereafter. Please view the Community Confidence Report (CCR) (PDF) for complete information about the Safe Drinking Water regulations and the required sampling that is required by federal law for any public or private water utility.

3. Does the Water Quality Laboratory sample and analyze water?

The Water Quality Laboratory does not sample and analyze drinking water samples for the private sector due to scheduling and workload limitations. Work of the Water Quality Laboratory is directed to compliance requirements and, occasionally, special projects of the Utilities Department. Privately-run laboratories in Las Cruces can provide analytical services for private purposes.

4. Why is it important to keep fats, oils, and grease out of the collection system?

Fats, oils, and grease adhere to wastewater pipe surfaces causing constriction and blockage of wastewater flow which leads to sewage back-ups.

5. How can I keep fats, oils, and grease from clogging my pipes?

Drain and wipe clean all dishes, pots and pans before washing. Never pour fats, oils, or grease directly into drains.

6. What is backflow?

The flow direction reversal of water or mixtures of water and/or other liquids into the distribution pipes of the potable water supply by means of back-siphonage or backpressure.