C44/100
Elephant Butte Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 24,421 residents · New Mexico
What's In Elephant Butte's Tap Water?
51
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
0
Above EPA Goals
EPA Violation History
1
Violation (last 5yr)
0
Unresolved
0
Health-Related
TIER 3Resolved
Failed to issue ongoing public notification
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: October 1, 2022 – June 13, 2023Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
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
MONTEREY WATER COMPANY INC.
Population Served
1,472
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
NM3509032
MORNINGSTAR WATER SYSTEM
Population Served
5,694
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
NM3510524
SANDIA KNOLLS WATER SYSTEM
Population Served
1,098
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
NM3511001
RIO COMMUNITIES WATER SYSTEM
Population Served
5,374
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
NM3524832
ELEPHANT BUTTE WATER SYSTEM
Population Served
2,286
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
NM3530827
MEADOW LAKE WATER SYSTEM
Population Served
2,760
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
NM3532032
ELEPHANT BUTTE, CITY OF
Population Served
1,350
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
NM3573627
RIO DEL ORO WATER SYSTEM
Population Served
4,387
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
NM3580232
Frequently Asked Questions About Elephant Butte Water
Is Elephant Butte tap water safe to drink?
Elephant Butte, New Mexico tap water receives a grade of C (44/100), which is considered fair. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 611 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Elephant Butte's water?
Of the 51 contaminants tested in Elephant Butte's water supply, the most notable include PFOS, Lead (90th percentile). 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Elephant Butte have any water quality violations?
Yes, Elephant Butte has 611 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2023. Violation types include Other, TT, MR. 42 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Elephant Butte?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Elephant Butte is recommended. 1 contaminant(s) exceed legal limits. An NSF-certified filter — such as a reverse osmosis or activated carbon system — can effectively reduce many common contaminants. Choose a filter certified to remove the specific contaminants found in your area.
Where does Elephant Butte's tap water come from?
Elephant Butte's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by MONTEREY WATER COMPANY INC. and 7 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 24,421 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Elephant Butte'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. Elephant Butte'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 Elephant Butte's water compare to other cities in New Mexico?
Elephant Butte's water quality score of 44/100 earns a grade of C, which is considered fair. This is a below-average score that indicates room for improvement. Visit our New Mexico state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Elephant Butte's water quality?
If you have concerns about Elephant Butte'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 (MONTEREY WATER COMPANY INC.) 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.