Rio Rancho, NM: 3 Health Violations — 76/100 (2026)
3 ZIP codes · 4 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Rio Rancho's tap water quality puts it in NM's upper tier — health-based violations are rare and the compliance record is consistently above average.
How Rio Rancho Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Rio Rancho Water: The Quick Version
- Your city's water systems recorded 15 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.001 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 23% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $2,300 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 11.98.
Water Systems Serving Rio Rancho
4 water systems are tracked federally in Rio Rancho, NM. The top 3 providers collectively serve most residential addresses, but because they operate independently, infrastructure maintenance standards and compliance histories differ from one service zone to another.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 3 ZIP codes in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, covering 4 community water systems serving approximately 108,378 people.
3 of 3 ZIP codes (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 3 health-based violations documented.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Rio Rancho: B (76/100)
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
Rio Rancho water systems draw from: Groundwater, Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0010 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): 1 ZIP code
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 8 | 3 |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | 8 | 3 |
| Contaminant 0700 | Other | 4 | 3 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 87124 | B | 5 | 1 | Rio Rancho Water & Ww Services |
| 87144 | B | 5 | 1 | Rio Rancho Water & Ww Services |
| 87174 | C | 5 | 1 | Rio Rancho Water & Ww Services |
All ZIP Codes in Rio Rancho
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 Rio Rancho
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 Rio Rancho
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
How Old Is Rio Rancho's Housing Stock?
Housing age data helps assess potential lead pipe and infrastructure risks. Newer housing stock generally means lower plumbing-related contamination risk.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
A median build year of 2002 in Rio Rancho points to a housing stock where post-1986 construction is the norm. That matters because lead solder in plumbing — banned federally in 1986 — is a primary pathway by which older homes can elevate tap water lead above what enters the distribution system.
Most homes in Rio Rancho 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.
Rio Rancho: Remediation Cost in Perspective
When remediation costs are measured against Rio Rancho home values, the resulting ratio is in the low tier — addressing documented water and safety issues here claims only a minor fraction of typical equity, and most homeowners are in a position where the financial commitment is straightforward rather than a material burden on their household budget.
Remediation costs in Rio Rancho are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,483–$3,300 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 36% above the New Mexico average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Rio Rancho
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.
Pre-rule stock in Rio Rancho accounts for 23% of the inventory — a modest fraction — and citywide samples land safely beneath the federal action mark.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Climate-Related Water Risk for Rio Rancho
FEMA data shows 67% of Rio Rancho's ZIP codes mapped into designated flood zones, paired with an NFIP record of 8 claims. That footprint places local flood exposure in the range where it warrants attention without rising to high-severity planning territory.
Rio Rancho has a moderate flood history with 8 FEMA claims averaging $3,170 per payout. 67% 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>$2,300</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 Rio Rancho, NM