Las Cruces Drinking Water Quality
What's Really in Your Tap Water?
Las Cruces tap water has some quality concerns you should be aware of. Lead levels test well below the EPA action level. There have been 4 violations recorded over the past 3 years.
Some Concerns
Monitor recommended
Lead
Below EPA action level
EPA action level: 15 ppb
Hardness
Hardness data not available
Is Las Cruces Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Las Cruces tap water has some quality concerns but remains within acceptable limits.
- •4 health-based violations in the past 3 years across 18 water systems.
- •Consider testing your water at home and using a certified water filter for added safety.
The data below shows test results from 18 water utilities serving 134K people in the Las Cruces area. Water quality testing is conducted regularly and reported to the EPA.
How Hard is Las Cruces Water?
Water hardness data is not currently available for Las Cruces.
Contact your local water utility for this information.
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 Las Cruces 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 Las Cruces
Lead Test Results
90th Percentile Lead Level
2.42 ppb
Las Cruces lead levels are well within safe limits.
Regular testing is still recommended, as lead can enter water through household plumbing.
Last sampled: 2026-12-31
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
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
4
Total Violations
4
Health-Related
0
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 Las Cruces's Water?
Utility Name
LAS CRUCES MUNICIPAL WATER SYSTEM
EPA System ID (PWSID)
NM3511707
Primary Water Source
Groundwater
Population Served
134K
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Las Cruces tap water quality
Nearby Cities in New Mexico
Albuquerque
Hard water
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