Yes, you can generally drink the water in Taos, as the Taos Municipal Water System is committed to providing high-quality drinking water to its residents.
However, it's important to understand that while the water leaving the treatment plant is of high quality, its condition can be influenced by the materials and components found in service lines and internal home plumbing. For instance, lead in drinking water primarily comes from these private plumbing elements and associated fixtures, rather than from the municipal source itself. The water system, while dedicated to quality, does not control the diverse materials used in private plumbing components.
Understanding Water Quality in Your Home
Even with a high-quality municipal supply, several factors can affect the water once it reaches your property:
- Lead Pipes and Fixtures: Older homes, especially those built before 1986, may have lead service lines or lead solder in their internal plumbing. Lead can leach into the water, particularly if water sits in pipes for extended periods.
- Copper Pipes with Lead Solder: Copper pipes are common, but if installed with lead solder (used before it was banned), this can also be a source of lead.
- Corrosion: Over time, plumbing materials can corrode, releasing various contaminants into the water.
Tips for Ensuring Your Tap Water Quality
To ensure the best possible water quality at your tap, especially concerning potential lead exposure, consider the following practical steps:
| Action | Description |
|---|---|
| Flush Your Taps | Before drinking or cooking, run the cold water tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes, especially if the water has been sitting for several hours (e.g., overnight). |
| Use Cold Water for Consumption | Always use cold water for drinking, cooking, and preparing baby formula. Hot water can dissolve lead and other metals from pipes more quickly. |
| Install a Water Filter | Consider using a filter certified to remove lead. Look for filters with NSF/ANSI Standard 53 certification for lead reduction. |
| Test Your Water | Contact the Taos Municipal Water System or a certified laboratory to have your tap water tested for lead and other contaminants. |
| Identify and Replace Old Plumbing | If you live in an older home, investigate your plumbing. If lead service lines or internal lead pipes are identified, consider replacement. |
Staying informed about your home's plumbing and following these simple practices can help maintain the high quality of the drinking water provided by the Taos Municipal Water System right to your faucet.
