B66/100
Los Alamos Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 25,000 residents · New Mexico
What's In Los Alamos's Tap Water?
66
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
2
Above EPA Goals
2 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
vanadium | 31.00 µg/L | — | Above Goal |
Lead (90th percentile) | < 0.001 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
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
LOS ALAMOS MUNICIPAL WATER SYSTEM
Population Served
25,000
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
NM3500115
Frequently Asked Questions About Los Alamos Water
Is Los Alamos tap water safe to drink?
Los Alamos, New Mexico tap water receives a grade of B (66/100), which is considered good. Out of 66 contaminants tested, none exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) and 2 exceed health guidelines (MCLGs). While the water meets federal standards, some residents may still choose to use a filter for additional peace of mind.
What contaminants are in Los Alamos's water?
Of the 66 contaminants tested in Los Alamos's water supply, the most notable include Lead (90th percentile), vanadium. No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits. 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Los Alamos have any water quality violations?
Yes, Los Alamos has 24 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2016. Violation types include Other, MR, MCL. 1 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Los Alamos?
Los Alamos 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. 2 contaminant(s) exceed these stricter goals.
Where does Los Alamos's tap water come from?
Los Alamos's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by LOS ALAMOS MUNICIPAL WATER SYSTEM. The system serves approximately 25,000 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Los Alamos'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. Los Alamos'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 Los Alamos's water compare to other cities in New Mexico?
Los Alamos's water quality score of 66/100 earns a grade of B, which is considered good. This is an above-average score compared to many cities nationwide. Visit our New Mexico state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Los Alamos's water quality?
If you have concerns about Los Alamos'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 (LOS ALAMOS MUNICIPAL 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.