Program Overview
The Get The Lead Out (GTLO) Program is a voluntary program started by the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) using guidance from Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s 3Ts for Reducing Lead in Drinking Water (3Ts) program. The 3Ts program aims to assist schools and childcare facilities in the removal of lead from drinking water.
How frequently your facility can and should test for lead in drinking water depends on a variety of factors (e.g., plumbing, water quality, lead results, budget, and competing priorities). 3Ts does not recommend a set frequency for sampling schools and childcare facilities, but does note that annual monitoring provides information regarding changes in the lead levels and the effectiveness of remediation or treatment efforts as well as timely notice of lead levels that need to be addressed.
Regardless of the frequency set by your facility, EPA recommends that the sampling frequency be documented, and that schools and childcare facilities make testing drinking water a part of their regular building operations.
- EPA’s 3Ts for Reducing Lead in Drinking Water
- EPA’s 3Ts Checklist
- EPA’s 3Ts for Public Water Systems
Program Benefits
- Free Sampling and Testing: All sampling materials and testing of samples by an accredited lab are provided through NMED and partner agencies.
- Remediation Planning and Implementation: If lead is found, NMED will assist the facility in creating and implementing a remediation plan appropriate for the facility.
- Monetary Assistance: NMED offers monetary assistance to qualifying facilities to cover costs associated with addressing lead issues identified through the GTLO program.
NMED GTLO Program Process
GTLO Program Flow Chart (pdf, English, 7/31/25)
GTLO Program Quality Assurance Project Plan (pdf, English, 12/3/24)
Step 1: Apply
The process begins with an application to the program. Once your application has been accepted, you will be contacted for further information, such as facility maps and plumbing plans. You can get started by with the “Enrolled Facility Resources” tab below.
Step 2: Inventory
Before sampling can begin, a sampling representative will review maps and plans or conduct a walkthrough of your facility to identify and create an inventory of all sinks and fountains that could be used for consumption. As part of the inventory, a plumbing profile and code system will be created for your facility.
Step 3: Sampling
After the inventory, a sampling event will be set up to take place early in the morning before your facility has opened. It is important that the water has not been used for at least 8 hours, but no more than 18 hours, before a sample is taken to get accurate results. Discuss this step with your sampling representative.
EPA’s 3Ts Module 4: 2-Step Sampling Procedures
Step 4: Analysis & Results
Once complete, the samples are sent to an accredited laboratory for analytical testing. After lab analysis, results will be available in no more than 30 days. You will be notified by an NMED representative as soon as your results are available. All test results will be posted on NMED’s website.
Step 5: Remediation & Replacement
Based on your facility’s sample results, you may work with an NMED representative to create an appropriate remediation and replacement plan. NMED will assist with remediation costs as funding allows. Re-sampling will take place after complete implementation of the remediation and replacement plan. All test results will be posted on NMED’s website.
Step 6: Closure
When a facility completes all steps of the program, they will receive a certificate that acknowledges their participation and efforts to provide lead-free drinking water to students and staff. However, there are actions and activities facilities can continue to take to protect and educate. Participants are also welcome to reach out to their NMED representative at any time with questions or comments.
