Los Alamos, NM: 6 Health Violations — 73/100 (2026)
2 ZIP codes · 3 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Public water monitoring in Los Alamos shows a safety record well above the NM median — health-based violations are isolated exceptions rather than recurring patterns, the city's systems have stayed compliant across recent reporting cycles, and no cluster of recurring exceedances appears in any single service area.
How Los Alamos Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Los Alamos Water: The Quick Version
- Your city's water systems recorded 56 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.0008 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $1,600 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 9.49.
Water Systems Serving Los Alamos
Water service in Los Alamos, NM is split across 3 utilities out of 3 tracked federally, each operating its own infrastructure and compliance record.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 2 ZIP codes in Los Alamos, New Mexico (population ~13,806), covering 3 community water systems serving approximately 25,743 people region-wide.
2 of 2 ZIP codes (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 6 health-based violations documented.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Los Alamos: B (73/100)
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
Los Alamos water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0008 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 2 (Moderate Risk)
- Zone 1 (High): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 2 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 0 ZIP codes
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | 36 | 2 |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 24 | 2 |
| Contaminant 0700 | Other | 12 | 2 |
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 6 | 2 |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | 6 | 2 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 87544 | B | 28 | 3 | Los Alamos Municipal Water System |
| 87545 | B | 28 | 3 | Los Alamos Municipal Water System |
All ZIP Codes in Los Alamos
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 Los Alamos
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
Key Contaminants Detected in Los Alamos
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Los Alamos: Remediation Cost in Perspective
How much of a Los Alamos home's value does documented remediation represent? A small fraction — the equity share here is in the low tier, and from a household financial perspective, most property owners are considering a commitment that fits comfortably within standard planning rather than a decision that rises to the level of a material budget event or significant equity consideration.
Remediation costs in Los Alamos are relatively low compared to home values. The $700–$3,200 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 116% above the New Mexico average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Los Alamos
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.
Lead risk in Los Alamos appears low overall, but individual homes may differ. Testing is the only way to confirm your water's lead content.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Climate-Related Water Risk for Los Alamos
A moderate NFIP record for Los Alamos — 8 insurance claims paired with 50% of ZIP codes in FEMA flood zones — points to a flood history where water-quality pathways have likely been periodically relevant.
Los Alamos has a moderate flood history with 8 FEMA claims averaging $3,858 per payout. 50% of ZIP codes fall within FEMA flood zones. Flood events can contaminate drinking water and overwhelm treatment systems.
How flooding affects water quality: Flood events can introduce sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial chemicals into water supplies. Even after floodwaters recede, contamination can persist in wells and aging infrastructure. Flood damage can add significantly to the estimated <strong>$1,600</strong> remediation cost per household.
Residents in flood-prone areas should consider flood insurance even outside FEMA zones — over 25% of flood claims come from low-to-moderate risk areas. After any flood event, test your water before drinking.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Los Alamos, NM