D34/100
Albuquerque Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 626,727 residents · New Mexico
What's In Albuquerque's Tap Water?
76
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
0
Above EPA Goals
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2016.
Understanding violation severity
Tier 1Urgent health risk. Utility must notify all customers within 24 hours.Tier 2Important health or treatment issue. Customers notified within 30 days.Tier 3Administrative or monitoring issue. Reported in the annual water quality report.
Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) · Updated quarterly
Water Utility Details
ALBUQUERQUE WATER SYSTEM
Population Served
560,326
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
NM3510701
TIERRA WEST ESTATES MHP
Population Served
1,447
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
NM3511701
SANDIA PEAK UTILITY
Population Served
6,079
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
NM3562201
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE
Population Served
22,500
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
NM3567701
UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO
Population Served
35,000
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
NM3575501
Kayenta Sandstone Housing
Population Served
1,375
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
NN0400815
Frequently Asked Questions About Albuquerque Water
Is Albuquerque tap water safe to drink?
Albuquerque, New Mexico tap water receives a grade of D (34/100), which is considered poor. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 351 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Albuquerque's water?
Of the 76 contaminants tested in Albuquerque's water supply, the most notable include Lead (90th percentile). No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Albuquerque have any water quality violations?
Yes, Albuquerque has 351 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include Other, MON, RPT. 26 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Albuquerque?
Albuquerque water meets EPA standards, so a filter is not strictly necessary. However, some residents prefer the added security of a water filter. EPA health goals (MCLGs) are stricter than legal limits and are set at levels with zero expected health risk. 1 contaminant(s) exceed these stricter goals.
Where does Albuquerque's tap water come from?
Albuquerque's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by ALBUQUERQUE WATER SYSTEM and 5 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 626,727 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Albuquerque's water tested?
Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), water utilities are required to regularly test for over 90 contaminants. Testing frequency varies by contaminant — some are tested monthly, others quarterly or annually. Albuquerque's water systems must report results to the EPA and publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). The data on this page reflects the latest available EPA testing data.
How does Albuquerque's water compare to other cities in New Mexico?
Albuquerque's water quality score of 34/100 earns a grade of D, which is considered poor. This is a concerning score that suggests significant water quality issues. Visit our New Mexico state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Albuquerque's water quality?
If you have concerns about Albuquerque's tap water, consider these steps: (1) Request your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report for detailed local data. (2) Get your water independently tested through a state-certified laboratory. (3) Consider an NSF-certified water filter rated for the contaminants found in your area. (4) Contact your water utility (ALBUQUERQUE WATER SYSTEM) with specific questions. (5) Report water quality issues to your state drinking water program or the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.