F0/100
Rio Rancho Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 107,350 residents · New Mexico
What's In Rio Rancho'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 |
|---|---|---|---|
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.002 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2018.
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
RIO RANCHO WATER & WW SERVICES
Population Served
107,350
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
NM3509623
Frequently Asked Questions About Rio Rancho Water
Is Rio Rancho tap water safe to drink?
Rio Rancho, New Mexico tap water receives a grade of F (0/100), which is considered failing. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 126 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Rio Rancho's water?
Of the 66 contaminants tested in Rio Rancho'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 Rio Rancho have any water quality violations?
Yes, Rio Rancho has 126 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2018. Violation types include MR, MON, Other. 4 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Rio Rancho?
Rio Rancho 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 Rio Rancho's tap water come from?
Rio Rancho's drinking water is sourced from purchased surface water and supplied by RIO RANCHO WATER & WW SERVICES. The system serves approximately 107,350 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Rio Rancho'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. Rio Rancho'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 Rio Rancho's water compare to other cities in New Mexico?
Rio Rancho's water quality score of 0/100 earns a grade of F, which is considered failing. 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 Rio Rancho's water quality?
If you have concerns about Rio Rancho'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 (RIO RANCHO WATER & WW SERVICES) 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.