Mesquite, NM Water Safety: 53/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Unlike better-scoring cities in NM, Mesquite records health-based violations across a meaningful portion of its service areas — the overall safety grade is well below average.
How Mesquite Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Mesquite Residents
- Homes built before 1986: 47% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $900 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 12.25 — above typical levels.
Mesquite's Water Providers
Across most of Mesquite, NM, residential water comes from a single utility. That provider sets rates, manages infrastructure maintenance, and files compliance reports with the EPA on behalf of the households it serves. Federal tracking data shows 1 system on record, but one carries the bulk of the service load.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Mesquite, New Mexico (population ~3,325), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 11,542 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Mesquite — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Mesquite: 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
Mesquite water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Mesquite
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 88048 | D | LOWER RIO GRANDE PWWA SOUTH VALLEY | 11,542 |
All ZIP Codes in Mesquite
- 88048 [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.
Mesquite Community Health Snapshot
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
Mesquite Infrastructure Age
With 47% 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
Prohibited from residential plumbing since 1986, lead solder divides Mesquite's housing stock along a timeline that the median build year of 1981 straddles. A meaningful share of homes predates the ban — a configuration that places moderate aggregate pressure on plumbing-related lead risk, distributed unevenly across neighborhoods.
Most homes in Mesquite were built after 1986, reducing the risk of lead contamination from plumbing. Older homes should still be tested.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Mesquite
Remediation costs in Mesquite are small relative to typical property values — the cost-to-value ratio here is favorable.
Remediation costs in Mesquite are relatively low compared to home values. The $300–$1,600 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 52% below the New Mexico average.
Mesquite: Lead Risk & Vulnerable Populations
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.
Practically, the structural drivers in Mesquite — 47% pre-rule stock and citywide monitoring at or beyond the regulatory benchmark — make an in-home draw the practical way to translate aggregate averages into the specific conditions at one address.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Mesquite
- 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 47% 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 Mesquite, NM