Fence Lake, NM Water Safety: 53/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Fence Lake ranks below average for tap water safety in NM — health-based violations are documented across multiple service areas in recent EPA monitoring data.
How Fence Lake Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Fence Lake Water: The Quick Version
- Homes built before 1986: 45% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $400 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 14.87 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Fence Lake
A single dominant system supplies most of Fence Lake, NM. That utility controls infrastructure decisions, rate structures, and EPA compliance reporting for most residential addresses served across those 1 tracked system.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Fence Lake, New Mexico (population ~130), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 517 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Fence Lake — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Fence Lake: D (53/100)
The score combines three factors:
| Factor | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Water Quality | EPA violations and compliance history |
| Lead Levels | 90th percentile lead concentration vs EPA action level |
| Radon Risk | EPA radon zone classification |
Water Sources
Fence Lake water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Fence Lake
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 2 (Moderate Risk)
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 87315 | D | RAMAH WATER & SANITATION DISTRICT | 517 |
All ZIP Codes in Fence Lake
- 87315 [D]
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
Updated daily.
CDC Health Data for Fence Lake
Source: CDC PLACES (County-level estimates). Water contamination can correlate with respiratory and chronic health conditions.
Compared to National Average
Vertical line = national average. ■ Above national · ■ Below national
How Old Is Fence Lake's Housing Stock?
With 45% of homes built before 1986, lead solder in plumbing is a potential concern. The EPA banned lead solder in 1986, but many older homes retain original plumbing.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
Pre-1986 construction carries elevated plumbing-era lead risk because lead solder was widely used before that federal ban. In Fence Lake, the median build year of 1998 indicates a housing stock where that older fraction represents a significant share of the residential inventory.
A significant portion of Fence Lake's housing stock predates 1970, when lead pipes were commonly used. Residents in older homes should consider water testing.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
Protecting Children from Lead in Fence Lake
Why children are most at risk: The CDC states there is no safe level of lead exposure for children. Children under 6 absorb lead more readily than adults, and even low levels can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems.
When older housing represents 45% of the local inventory or aggregate readings approach the federal action level, an in-home check becomes the standard way to translate citywide averages into the specific reality of an individual Fence Lake address.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Fence Lake
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages — your tap may differ. NSF-certified test kits cost $20-40 and give results in days.
- Install a certified water filter. An NSF-certified pitcher or under-sink filter removes most common contaminants.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 45% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
- Review your water system's CCR. Your utility publishes an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results. Request it or find it online.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Fence Lake, NM