Des Moines Water System
EPA ID: NM3527131 · 218 people served · 2 ZIP codes
Current EPA status: Des Moines Water System, 3 open violations, 218 people served.
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-04-02
Service Area Map
Coverage area for Des Moines Water System Source: EPA SDWIS service area boundaries.
Service area boundary — Grade C
Service Area Demographics
The Des Moines Water System serves a community with a median household income of $101,396 and an estimated 599 residents across its service area. Approximately 74% of housing stock was built before 1986, which increases the likelihood of lead service lines and older plumbing.
Environmental Justice Note: 100% of the population in this service area is classified as disadvantaged under EPA's EJScreen criteria. Communities with higher disadvantaged populations often face disproportionate environmental and health burdens, including aging water infrastructure and limited resources for remediation.
💧 Where Does Your Water Come From?
Des Moines Water System's water is pumped from underground aquifers. Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil, but it can be vulnerable to PFAS contamination, nitrates from agriculture, and industrial chemicals that seep into the water table.
About 2% of homes in Union County, New Mexico rely on private wells rather than public water systems. Private well owners are responsible for their own water testing and treatment.
Infrastructure Risk
Detected Contaminants
How Des Moines Water System compares to EPA limits
What This Means For You
Surface Water Treatment Rule at 5 mg/L exceeds the EPA maximum of mg/L.
Lead and Copper Rule at 3 mg/L exceeds the EPA maximum of mg/L.
Revised Total Coliform Rule at 3 presence exceeds the EPA maximum of presence.
Stage 2 DBP Rule at 2 mg/L exceeds the EPA maximum of mg/L.
Consumer Confidence Report Rule at 2 mg/L exceeds the EPA maximum of mg/L.
Comparable Water Systems
Similar-sized systems in New Mexico
Estimated Remediation Costs
Average estimated costs across ZIP codes served by this system
Based on national averages for common remediation projects. Actual costs vary by property. Only issues flagged by EPA, FEMA, or state data for each ZIP code are included.
System Overview
Des Moines Water System (EPA ID: NM3527131) is a community water system in New Mexico that serves approximately 218 people from groundwater sources.
This system provides water to 2 ZIP codes across 2 communities.
Average Home Safety Score: C (65/100)
Based on water quality violations, lead levels, and radon risk across all ZIP codes served by this system.
Violation History
Recent Violations
| Date | Contaminant | Type | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 9, 2025 | Lead and Copper Rule | Monitoring | Unresolved |
| October 17, 2024 | Stage 2 DBP Rule | Health-based | Unresolved |
| October 17, 2024 | Stage 2 DBP Rule | Monitoring | Unresolved |
| July 1, 2024 | Surface Water Treatment Rule | Monitoring | Resolved |
| March 29, 2024 | Contaminant 0700 | Health-based | Resolved |
| October 1, 2023 | Stage 1 DBP Rule | Monitoring | Resolved |
| August 1, 2023 | Consumer Confidence Report Rule | Monitoring | Resolved |
| July 1, 2023 | Revised Total Coliform Rule | Monitoring | Resolved |
| February 26, 2023 | Lead and Copper Rule | Monitoring | Resolved |
Contaminants Detected
The following contaminants have been flagged in EPA records for this water system:
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Failure | 5 | No |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Failure | 3 | No |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | Microbiological | 3 | No |
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Failure | 2 | Yes |
| Consumer Confidence Report Rule | Reporting Failure | 2 | No |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Failure | 1 | No |
| Contaminant 0700 | Other Violation | 1 | Yes |
Lead & Copper
EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data for ZIP codes served by this system:
| ZIP Code | Lead Level | Exceeds Limit | Sample Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 88418 | 0.001 mg/L | No | N/A |
Radon Risk in Service Area
Dominant radon zone for ZIP codes served by this system: Zone 2 (Moderate Risk)
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Need help with your water quality?
Typical cost: Water test: typically $20–$50 (DIY kit) · Professional inspection: $150–$400
Find the Right Water FilterFree tip: Let cold water run for 2 minutes before drinking — this helps flush lead from your pipes.
ZIP Codes Served
Data Sources
This report uses public data from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS). View the full compliance record for Des Moines Water System (NM3527131) on EPA.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Des Moines Water System water safe to drink?
Des Moines Water System has recorded 2 health-based violations in the past 5 years. While the system is required to treat water to meet federal standards, you may want to consider additional precautions such as a certified water filter.
How many people does Des Moines Water System serve?
Des Moines Water System serves approximately 218 people across 2 ZIP codes in New Mexico.
Where does Des Moines Water System get its water?
The primary water source is groundwater.
Water Source & Treatment
Where this water originates and how it's treated before reaching your tap.
Source: DES MOINES WATER SYSTEM Consumer Confidence Report.
ZipCheckup is not affiliated with this water utility. Treatment and source data are sourced from the utility's published CCR filings.
Notable events and violations
This section summarizes events the utility chose to disclose in its most recent Consumer Confidence Report, plus any federal compliance violations the utility recorded against itself. Both lists are utility-authored — ZipCheckup does not audit, judge, or reorder them.
Federal compliance violations on record
These entries are taken verbatim from the utility's CCR violations section. EPA defines four broad violation categories: Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), Treatment Technique (TT), Monitoring & Reporting (M&R), and Public Notification (PN).
-
reporting2024-07-01
Consumer Confidence Rule violation (CCR REPORT)
-
treatment technique2024-03-29
Failure to address a significant deficiency identified under the Ground Water Rule (FAILURE ADDRESS DEFICIENCY (GWR))
-
treatment technique2024-03-29
Failure to address a significant deficiency identified under the Ground Water Rule (FAILURE ADDRESS DEFICIENCY (GWR))
-
treatment technique2024-03-29
Failure to address a significant deficiency identified under the Ground Water Rule (FAILURE ADDRESS DEFICIENCY (GWR))
-
monitoring2023-10-01
Failure to perform required monitoring under the Lead and Copper Rule (FOLLOW-UP OR ROUTINE TAP M/R (LCR))
Violations record from DES MOINES WATER SYSTEM Consumer Confidence Report.
ZipCheckup note: items above reflect what the utility published in its most recent CCR. Federal violation records are also tracked separately by the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) — the SDWIS record is the authoritative federal source for any specific regulatory action.
Frequently Asked Questions
What You Can Do
Test your water
Home test kits can detect lead, bacteria, and other contaminants at your tap. Find the right filter →
Check your specific ZIP code
Water quality can vary within a system. View nearest ZIP report →
Contact your utility
Des Moines Water System (EPA ID: NM3527131) — request the latest Consumer Confidence Report or ask about specific contaminants.