Water Quality in Albuquerque, NM: 9460 Violations — Grade D
Grade D · Score 53/100 · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Albuquerque's water has significant violations. Water testing and filtration are recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
EPA monitoring has flagged 9460 reportable events for water systems in Albuquerque, NM.
Water Quality Map: Albuquerque, NM
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Albuquerque
Water quality varies across Albuquerque's 43 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 87103 | F | 33 | 220 | 13 | View report → |
| 87115 | F | 33 | 220 | 13 | View report → |
| 87116 | F | 33 | 220 | 13 | View report → |
| 87119 | F | 33 | 220 | 13 | View report → |
| 87125 | F | 33 | 220 | 13 | View report → |
| 87131 | F | 33 | 220 | 13 | View report → |
| 87151 | F | 33 | 220 | 13 | View report → |
| 87153 | F | 33 | 220 | 13 | View report → |
| 87154 | F | 33 | 220 | 13 | View report → |
| 87158 | F | 33 | 220 | 13 | View report → |
| 87165 | F | 33 | 220 | 13 | View report → |
| 87176 | F | 33 | 220 | 13 | View report → |
| 87181 | F | 33 | 220 | 13 | View report → |
| 87184 | F | 33 | 220 | 13 | View report → |
| 87185 | F | 33 | 220 | 13 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Albuquerque, New Mexico receives a water quality grade of D with an overall score of 53 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 5 water systems serving Albuquerque have accumulated 9460 EPA violations, including 559 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 43 ZIP codes serving approximately 625,352 people.
What Grade D Means
A grade of D indicates significant compliance issues. Albuquerque's water systems have accumulated violations that suggest ongoing water quality challenges. Residents should check their specific ZIP code report and consider water testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Albuquerque water systems is 0.0020 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 57% of homes built before 1986, Albuquerque has a higher-than-average risk of lead from older plumbing. Lead solder was banned in 1986, and homes built before this date may have lead in pipes, solder joints, or fixtures.
Radon Risk
Albuquerque is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.
Water Systems Serving Albuquerque
Albuquerque is served by 5 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 625,352 people across 43 ZIP codes.
Each water system is identified by a Public Water System ID (PWSID) and is required to:
- Test for over 90 regulated contaminants on a regular schedule
- Report results to the EPA and state regulators
- Issue an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to all customers
- Take corrective action when violations occur
The EPA has taken 430 enforcement actions against water systems serving Albuquerque. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Albuquerque
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores
Request your CCR — your water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results for all monitored contaminants
Get a home test — certified kits cost $20–$50 and test for lead, bacteria, and common contaminants. Professional lab tests ($150–$400) cover a broader panel
Consider filtration — NSF-certified filters can remove specific contaminants. Reverse osmosis removes the broadest range; activated carbon is effective for chlorine and many organics
Check for advisories — monitor your local utility website and local news for boil water advisories or system alerts
Contaminants Detected in Albuquerque Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Albuquerque's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 3268 | 43 | No |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 602 | 43 | No |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | Microbiological | N/A | 602 | 43 | No |
| Barium | Inorganic | 2 mg/L | 473 | 43 | Yes |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 430 | 43 | No |
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 258 | 43 | Yes |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.08 mg/L | 172 | 43 | No |
| Total Coliform | Microbiological | N/A | 86 | 43 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Albuquerque. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-09-25 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-09-15 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-08-29 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-08-29 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-07-08 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-06-03 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-06-02 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-06-02 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-05-05 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-04-17 | State Informal Action |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-09-25.
Albuquerque vs. Nearby New Mexico Cities
How Albuquerque's water quality compares to similar cities in New Mexico:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albuquerque | D | 9460 | 5 | 625,352 |
| Kirtland Afb | D | 0 | 1 | 560,326 |
| Las Cruces | B | 63 | 5 | 130,679 |
| Santa Fe | D | 242 | 5 | 109,754 |
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Albuquerque
Water quality varies across Albuquerque's ZIP codes. The table below shows the worst-scoring and best-scoring areas:
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 87103 | 33 | F | 220 | 13 |
| 87115 | 33 | F | 220 | 13 |
| 87116 | 33 | F | 220 | 13 |
| 87119 | 33 | F | 220 | 13 |
| 87125 | 33 | F | 220 | 13 |
| 87131 | 33 | F | 220 | 13 |
| 87151 | 33 | F | 220 | 13 |
| 87153 | 33 | F | 220 | 13 |
| 87154 | 33 | F | 220 | 13 |
| 87158 | 33 | F | 220 | 13 |
| 87101 | 50 | D | 220 | 13 |
| 87196 | 45 | D | 220 | 13 |
| 87190 | 45 | D | 220 | 13 |
| 87123 | 45 | D | 220 | 13 |
| 87120 | 45 | D | 220 | 13 |
Common Questions About Albuquerque Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Albuquerque, New Mexico:
Is Albuquerque water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Albuquerque's 5 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Albuquerque tap water? Albuquerque's water receives a grade of D (53/100). There are 559 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Albuquerque? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Albuquerque vs. New Mexico Average
Understanding how Albuquerque compares to the broader New Mexico average helps contextualize your local water quality. Factors like water source, treatment methods, and infrastructure age all contribute to differences between cities in the same state.
To see how individual neighborhoods compare, check the ZIP code reports below — water quality can vary significantly even within Albuquerque.
ZIP Codes in Albuquerque
Albuquerque spans 43 ZIP codes. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 87101. Each ZIP code has its own water quality profile based on the specific water system serving that area. Check each ZIP code for detailed contaminant data, violation history, and system information.
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
- Enforcement: EPA ECHO database
- Filter recommendations: NSF/ANSI certified products
Updated daily.