An inventory of all 83 homes served by Sierra Vista Water Association found no presence of lead in our distribution system.

No lead was ever used in SVWA’s water mains and connection fittings, according to system records. A survey of members conducted by the association early this year to comply with a federal mandate confirmed no lead exists in service lines between water mains and your home. 

Federal law banned the use of pipes, solder and flux that are not lead-free in public water systems in 1986.

All but 18 houses in our service area were built after the ban. SVWA’s trustees thank all the members who responded to our survey, especially those who live in pre-ban homes.

The majority of service lines were confirmed to be copper. Plastic or non-lead galvanized pipe is used in several homes.

Various tests over the years have not detected lead or found only trace amounts well below the maximum contamination level in our water.

View survey results.

When Viewmont's old water main was constructed in 1983, SVWA operated just one well and served less than half of the 84 residences it does now. The new, larger main not only improves service along Viewmont, it provides better water pressure to some residents elsewhere in Sierra Vista since the line is part of our overall distribution system.

The new main also replaced all of SVWA's concrete asbestos pipe, eliminating the risk of an environmental hazard in the event of a line break. A new air relief valve, which vents pressure in the system, and a new flushing station were also installed on the north end of Viewmont as part of the project. Construction was done in the fall of 2023.

Water mains are flushed on the last Tuesday of every month. It's advisable not to do laundry on that day to avoid the potential of back pressure introducing manganese into your washer and potentially discoloring your clothing.