C55/100
Portales Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 18,004 residents · New Mexico
What's In Portales's Tap Water?
66
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
vanadium | 34.00 µg/L | — | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
4
Violations (last 5yr)
0
Unresolved
0
Health-Related
TIER 3Resolved
Failure to meet filter backwash requirements
When: April 1, 2025 – June 30, 2025Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Failed to conduct Level 1 Assessment
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: October 5, 2024 – March 10, 2025Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Violation related to Turbidity
When: May 11, 2024 – July 12, 2024Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
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, 2023 – August 22, 2024Rule: 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
PORTALES WATER SYSTEM
Population Served
14,284
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
NM3528522
ROOSEVELT COUNTY WUA
Population Served
3,720
Water Source
Purchased Groundwater
System ID
NM3562222
Frequently Asked Questions About Portales Water
Is Portales tap water safe to drink?
Portales, New Mexico tap water receives a grade of C (55/100), which is considered fair. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 43 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Portales's water?
Of the 66 contaminants tested in Portales's water supply, the most notable include vanadium. 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 Portales have any water quality violations?
Yes, Portales has 43 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include Other, MR, MON. 11 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Portales?
Portales 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 Portales's tap water come from?
Portales's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by PORTALES WATER SYSTEM and 1 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 18,004 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Portales'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. Portales'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 Portales's water compare to other cities in New Mexico?
Portales's water quality score of 55/100 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 Portales's water quality?
If you have concerns about Portales'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 (PORTALES 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.