Doña Ana County Water Quality: 163 Violations (NM)
35 water systems · 32 ZIP codes · Grade B · Updated 2026-06-04
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), EPA ECHO Last verified: 2026-06-04
Violation Trend
EPA violations across water systems in Doña Ana County.
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Find the Right Filter →Water Quality Overview
Doña Ana County has 35 community water systems serving approximately 1,860,814 people across 32 ZIP codes. These systems have accumulated 163 EPA violations, including 45 health-based violations.
Health-based violations account for 28% of all violations in Doña Ana County. These violations indicate contaminant levels that may pose direct risks to human health.
Violation Breakdown
| Violation Type | Count | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Health-based | 45 | 27.6% |
| Monitoring/Reporting | 118 | 72.4% |
| Total | 163 | 100% |
Health-based violations indicate contaminant levels exceeding EPA Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs). Monitoring violations indicate failures to test or report.
Cities with Most Violations
| Rank | City | Violations | Health-Based | ZIP Codes | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Las Cruces | 63 | 9 | 9 | 1,325,073 |
| 2 | Sunland Park | 33 | 21 | 1 | 19,466 |
| 3 | Anthony | 19 | 4 | 1 | 46,052 |
| 4 | Dona Ana | 11 | 1 | 1 | 17,227 |
| 5 | Chaparral | 8 | 2 | 1 | 16,493 |
| 6 | Vado | 6 | 1 | 1 | 11,650 |
| 7 | Mesilla | 4 | 2 | 1 | 100,342 |
| 8 | Radium Springs | 4 | 1 | 1 | 831 |
| 9 | Mesilla Park | 3 | 1 | 1 | 110,266 |
| 10 | San Miguel | 3 | 1 | 1 | 774 |
Violation Trend
Year-by-year EPA violations across water systems in Doña Ana County:
| Year | Total | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 5 | 5 |
| 2023 | 21 | 21 |
| 2024 | 47 | 47 |
| 2025 | 1 | 1 |
Most Common Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | Microbiological | 38 | 15 | No |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | 29 | 17 | No |
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 18 | 6 | Yes |
| Barium | Inorganic | 16 | 1 | Yes |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 13 | 10 | No |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | 12 | 12 | No |
Understanding Water Quality Scores
Each ZIP code in Doña Ana County receives a safety score from 0-100 based on EPA compliance data. Scores factor in the number and severity of violations, with health-based violations weighted more heavily than monitoring failures. Resolved violations (where the system returned to compliance) receive reduced weight in the scoring.
The county-level grade (B) represents the average across all 32 ZIP codes. Individual ZIP codes may vary significantly — a county with a B grade may contain both A-rated and D-rated areas.
Water Systems in Doña Ana County
Doña Ana County is served by 35 community water systems, averaging 1.1 systems per ZIP code. Each system is independently regulated and tested by the EPA. Larger systems serving more people typically have more extensive monitoring requirements.
Water systems in Doña Ana County source water from a mix of surface water (rivers, reservoirs) and groundwater (wells, aquifers). Source type affects which contaminants are most likely to be detected.
How to Check Your Water in Doña Ana County
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup for detailed water system data including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores
Request your CCR — every water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report
Get a home test — certified kits ($20-$50) or professional lab tests ($150-$400) can detect contaminants not covered by routine testing
Consider filtration — NSF-certified filters can address specific contaminants found in your area
Check for lead — homes built before 1986 should test for lead regardless of utility compliance
EPA Enforcement
The EPA and state regulators have taken 257 enforcement actions against water systems in Doña Ana County. Enforcement actions range from compliance assistance and administrative orders to formal penalties. Systems under enforcement are required to remediate violations and may face ongoing monitoring requirements.
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Enforcement: EPA ECHO
Updated daily.
Water Quality Map: Doña Ana County, NM
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Doña Ana County
Water quality varies across Doña Ana County's 32 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | City | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 88063 | Sunland Park | C | 62 | 33 | 21 | View → |
| 88021 | Anthony | B | 80 | 19 | 4 | View → |
| 88032 | Dona Ana | A | 87 | 11 | 1 | View → |
| 88081 | Chaparral | B | 82 | 8 | 2 | View → |
| 88006 | Las Cruces | A | 87 | 7 | 1 | View → |
| 88013 | Las Cruces | A | 87 | 7 | 1 | View → |
| 88001 | Las Cruces | A | 86 | 7 | 1 | View → |
| 88003 | Las Cruces | A | 86 | 7 | 1 | View → |
| 88004 | Las Cruces | A | 86 | 7 | 1 | View → |
| 88012 | Las Cruces | A | 86 | 7 | 1 | View → |
| 88007 | Las Cruces | B | 81 | 7 | 1 | View → |
| 88011 | Las Cruces | B | 81 | 7 | 1 | View → |
| 88005 | Las Cruces | B | 76 | 7 | 1 | View → |
| 88072 | Vado | A | 86 | 6 | 1 | View → |
| 88054 | Radium Springs | A | 87 | 4 | 1 | View → |
| 88046 | Mesilla | B | 82 | 4 | 2 | View → |
| 88047 | Mesilla Park | A | 87 | 3 | 1 | View → |
| 88058 | San Miguel | B | 83 | 3 | 1 | View → |
| 87936 | Garfield | A | 87 | 2 | 0 | View → |
| 88027 | Chamberino | A | 86 | 2 | 1 | View → |
What are EPA health violations?
Health-based violations mean a contaminant was detected above the EPA's Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) — the legal limit designed to protect human health. Doña Ana County has 45 such violations. Not all violations cause illness, but repeated exceedances increase risk, especially for children and immunocompromised individuals.
What is a water quality grade?
ZipCheckup grades water systems from A to F based on EPA violation history, contaminant levels, and system compliance. Grade A means few or no violations; Grade F indicates persistent or serious issues. Doña Ana County's overall grade is B.
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Find the Right Filter →Frequently Asked Questions
Is the tap water safe in Doña Ana County, New Mexico?
Doña Ana County has 35 community water systems with 163 recorded EPA violations, including 45 health-based. Water quality varies by ZIP code — check your specific location for detailed results.
How many water violations does Doña Ana County have?
Doña Ana County has 163 total EPA violations across 32 ZIP codes. 45 are health-based violations indicating contaminant levels potentially harmful to health.
Which city in Doña Ana County has the most water violations?
Las Cruces has the most violations in Doña Ana County with 63 recorded EPA violations across 9 ZIP codes.
What contaminants are found in Doña Ana County water?
Doña Ana County water systems are monitored for over 90 EPA-regulated contaminants including lead, copper, nitrates, disinfection byproducts, and bacteria. Check your ZIP code for contaminant-specific data.
How can I test my water in Doña Ana County?
Contact your local water utility for free or low-cost testing. You can also use a certified home test kit ($20-$50) or hire a certified lab ($150-$400).