Albuquerque Drinking Water Quality
What's Really in Your Tap Water?
Albuquerque tap water has some quality concerns you should be aware of. With 141 ppm hardness (8.2 gpg), expect some mineral deposits over time. Lead levels test well below the EPA action level. There have been 73 violations recorded over the past 3 years.
Some Concerns
Monitor recommended
8.2 GPG hardness
Lead
Below EPA action level
EPA action level: 15 ppb
Hardness
Hard water
US Average: 100 ppm
Is Albuquerque Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Albuquerque tap water has some quality concerns but remains within acceptable limits.
2 contaminants were tested in Albuquerque's water — none were detected above reporting levels.
EPA Violations — 33 health-based EPA violations in the past 3 years across 27 water systems. Plus 40 monitoring/reporting violations.
Health-based violations mean the water exceeded a legal safety limit for a specific contaminant. This is more serious than administrative violations.
→ Consider testing your water at home and using a certified water filter until violations are resolved.
PFAS "Forever Chemicals" — No PFAS "forever chemicals" were detected in recent testing — a positive result.
Lead — Lead (0.17 ppb) is at 1% of the EPA action level of 15 ppb.
The data below shows test results from 27 water utilities serving 629K people in the Albuquerque area.
Do I Need a Water Filter?
With hard water (141 ppm), a water softener can reduce scale buildup in pipes, appliances, and water heaters.
How Hard is Albuquerque Water?
141 ppm
8.2 grains per gallon
Hard water can cause scale buildup in pipes and appliances. A water softener may be beneficial.
Impact on Your Home
Shower
May dry out skin & hair
Kitchen
Spots on dishes
Laundry
Clothes may feel stiff
Appliances
Scale buildup
Regional Comparison
Values in ppm (mg/L as CaCO₃)
Do I Need a Water Softener?
At 141 ppm, Albuquerque has hard water. You may notice white spots on dishes, dry skin after showering, and mineral buildup on fixtures. A water softener can help reduce these effects, though it's not strictly necessary for health — hard water is safe to drink.
Based on 243 samples from TODO: Add from CCR ()
Your pipes tell a different story
The data above shows what leaves the treatment plant—not what comes out of your faucet. Old pipes, lead solder, and building plumbing can add contaminants the city never tests for. Know exactly what's in your Albuquerque tap water.
Home test kits detect lead, bacteria, pesticides, and 100+ other contaminants. Results in 5-10 business days from certified labs.
Lead & Contaminants
Understanding lead levels and water quality violations in Albuquerque
Lead Test Results
90th Percentile Lead Level
0.17 ppb
Albuquerque lead levels are well within safe limits.
Regular testing is still recommended, as lead can enter water through household plumbing.
Last sampled: 2027-12-31
About Lead in Drinking Water
What is Lead in Water?
Lead is a toxic metal that can dissolve into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. It's invisible, tasteless, and odorless, making testing the only way to detect it. The EPA has set an action level of 15 ppb, though they emphasize there is no safe level of lead exposure.
Potential Health Effects
Developmental delays, learning difficulties, lower IQ, behavioral issues
High blood pressure, kidney damage, reproductive issues
How to Reduce Exposure
- •Run water for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before drinking, especially in the morning
- •Use cold water for cooking and drinking (hot water dissolves more lead)
- •Install a NSF-certified filter designed to remove lead
- •Test your water, especially if your home was built before 1986
PFAS “Forever Chemicals”
No PFAS detected
PFAS are synthetic chemicals that don't break down in the environment. No PFAS were detected in the most recent testing.
Other Detected Contaminants
2 contaminants detected
| Contaminant | Your Water | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
PFOA | 0 ppt Range: 0-0 ND - UCMR5 - 0/52 samples detected | 4 ppt 0 | Safe |
PFOS | 0 ppt Range: 0-0 ND - UCMR5 - 0/52 samples detected | 4 ppt 0 | Safe |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA legal limit)
EPA Compliance History
Action Recommended
Active health-based violations detectedConsider using a certified water filter until violations are resolved. Contact your utility for updates on corrective actions.
3-Year Violation Summary
73
Total Violations
33
Health-Related
40
Administrative
Health-Related Violations
Contaminant exceeded EPA safety limits. May require filter or alternative water source.
Administrative Violations
Missed testing deadlines or reporting. Does not indicate water quality issues.
Who Provides Albuquerque's Water?
Utility Name
ALBUQUERQUE WATER SYSTEM
EPA System ID (PWSID)
NM3510701
Primary Water Source
Groundwater
Population Served
629K
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Albuquerque tap water quality
Nearby Cities in New Mexico
Las Cruces
Santa Fe
Hard water
Rio Rancho
Moderate water
Roswell
Very Hard water
Farmington
Very Hard water
Clovis
Very Hard water
This data is for informational purposes only. Water quality can vary by neighborhood and building. For official reports, contact your local water utility or the EPA. Learn about our methodology
Data source: TODO: Add from CCR ()