Exceeds EPA Limit Lead EXCEEDS EPA LIMIT

Lead in Gallup, NM Drinking Water

Lead data for Gallup, New Mexico · 23,825 residents · 2 ZIP codes

ZipCheckup's reading of Lead in Gallup, New Mexico: the highest detected level is 46 ppb; the EPA limit is 15 ppb (action level). Lead carries a high health-risk designation.

Across the water systems that serve Gallup, New Mexico, Lead has appeared in EPA compliance samples - standard municipal treatment targets this contaminant, though detections in the compliance record indicate it has reached household taps at measurable levels.

46 ppb
Max Level Detected
46 ppb
Average Level
15 ppb (action level)
EPA action level
High
Health Risk
Reverse Osmosis or NSF 53 Carbon Block
Best Filter Method

Data: EPA SDWIS, CCR Reports, ECHO

Lead in Gallup Tap Water

Lead has been detected in Gallup, New Mexico drinking water at a normalized maximum level of 46 ppb - 3.07x the EPA action level.

This analysis covers 23,825 residents across 2 ZIP codes in Gallup.

Is Lead in Gallup Water Safe?

Lead levels in parts of Gallup exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb (action level). The EPA requires water systems to take corrective action when this limit is exceeded.

If you live in an affected ZIP code, consider installing a reverse osmosis or nsf 53 carbon block filter certified under NSF 53 / NSF 58 and testing your water independently.

Lead Levels by ZIP Code

ZIP Code Lead Level EPA Limit Status
87301 46 ppb 15 ppb (action level) Exceeds limit

Average lead level across Gallup: 46 ppb

Health Effects of Lead

  • Brain development delays and reduced IQ in children
  • Behavioral problems and learning disabilities
  • High blood pressure and kidney damage in adults
  • Increased risk of premature birth in pregnant women

Health risk severity: High. Governed by the Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR/LCRI).

How Lead Gets Into Drinking Water

  • Corrosion of lead service lines (pipes connecting water main to home)
  • Lead solder in copper plumbing joints (pre-1986 homes)
  • Brass fixtures and faucets manufactured before 2014
  • Stagnant water that sits in lead-containing pipes overnight

What to Do About Lead in Gallup Water

  1. Install an NSF 53 or NSF 58 certified filter at kitchen sink
  2. Run cold water for 30 seconds before using for drinking or cooking
  3. Use cold water only for cooking and preparing formula
  4. Consider whole-home reverse osmosis if lead service line is present

Look for filters certified under NSF 53 / NSF 58 for lead removal.

Related

Home → Contaminants → Lead → New Mexico → Gallup

How to cite this page

APA ZipCheckup. (2026). Lead in Gallup, NM Drinking Water. https://zipcheckup.com/contaminants/lead/gallup-nm/
BibTeX 
@misc{zipcheckup-contaminants-lead-gallup-nm,
  author = {{ZipCheckup}},
  title  = {{Lead in Gallup, NM Drinking Water}},
  year   = {2026},
  url    = {https://zipcheckup.com/contaminants/lead/gallup-nm/}
}

Page version: August 2026.

Check your water filter options Free tool - no phone call required.