City Asks Selected Residents To Help With Routine Water Testing

Truth or Consequences is getting ready for its regular lead and copper testing of the municipal water system, and a few local households will be asked to help. This testing is required every three years and will take place during the July 1 through September 30 testing period. It helps the city keep an eye on water quality and make sure the system continues to meet drinking water standards.

According to Water Supervisor Jamie Foreman, on August 25, a two-person crew will deliver sample bottles to the homes selected for testing. If you receive a bottle, please collect your sample first thing the next morning, before running any other water in the house. For the test to work properly, the water should sit in the home’s lines for six to eight hours before the sample is taken.

The bottle will come with a short form that needs to be filled out. Once the bottle and form are complete, residents can simply place them outside by the door, and City crews will pick them up on August 26.
After the samples are collected, they will be sent to Albuquerque for analysis. The city expects to receive the results in about a month.

The homes included in the testing are chosen through the New Mexico Environment Department sampling plan and are generally the same addresses that have been used for several years, based on different areas of town. The testing is required by the New Mexico Environment Department Drinking Water Bureau, and results are shared in the city’s annual Consumer Confidence Report. Foreman reports that in past rounds of testing, no repairs have been required.