F0/100
Ruidoso Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 15,947 residents · New Mexico
What's In Ruidoso's Tap Water?
69
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
4
Above EPA Goals
4 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
strontium | 5800.00 µg/L | — | Above Goal |
chlorate | 3000.00 µg/L | — | Above Goal |
molybdenum | 53.00 µg/L | — | Above Goal |
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.004 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
1
Violation (last 5yr)
0
Unresolved
0
Health-Related
TIER 3Resolved
Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure
When: May 2, 2021 – May 3, 2021Rule: 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
RUIDOSO WATER SYSTEM
Population Served
15,947
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
NM3513114
Frequently Asked Questions About Ruidoso Water
Is Ruidoso tap water safe to drink?
Ruidoso, New Mexico tap water receives a grade of F (0/100), which is considered failing. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 215 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Ruidoso's water?
Of the 69 contaminants tested in Ruidoso's water supply, the most notable include Lead (90th percentile), strontium, chlorate, molybdenum. No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits. 4 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Ruidoso have any water quality violations?
Yes, Ruidoso has 215 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2021. Violation types include Other, MCL, TT. 31 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Ruidoso?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Ruidoso is recommended. 4 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals. 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 Ruidoso's tap water come from?
Ruidoso's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by RUIDOSO WATER SYSTEM. The system serves approximately 15,947 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Ruidoso'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. Ruidoso'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 Ruidoso's water compare to other cities in New Mexico?
Ruidoso'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 Ruidoso's water quality?
If you have concerns about Ruidoso'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 (RUIDOSO 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.