D35/100
PORTALES WATER SYSTEM — Water Quality Report 2026
Serving 14,284 people · New Mexico
Water Source
Groundwater
County
—
System ID
NM3528522
Violations
30
Contaminant Test Results
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
Frequently Asked Questions About PORTALES WATER SYSTEM
Is PORTALES WATER SYSTEM water safe to drink?
PORTALES WATER SYSTEM water receives a grade of D (35/100), which is considered poor. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits and 30 violation(s) are on record. Customers may want to consider using a water filter.
What contaminants has PORTALES WATER SYSTEM detected?
66 contaminants were tested in PORTALES WATER SYSTEM's water. Notable contaminants include vanadium. No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits. 1 exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs).
Does PORTALES WATER SYSTEM have any EPA violations?
Yes, PORTALES WATER SYSTEM has 30 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include Other, MR, TT. 8 are health-based violations.
How many people does PORTALES WATER SYSTEM serve?
PORTALES WATER SYSTEM serves approximately 14,284 people, New Mexico. The system provides water to 1 community: Portales.
What type of water does PORTALES WATER SYSTEM provide?
PORTALES WATER SYSTEM sources its water from groundwater. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration. The utility's system ID is NM3528522.
How does PORTALES WATER SYSTEM compare to other utilities in New Mexico?
PORTALES WATER SYSTEM scores 35/100 with a grade of D (poor). This score suggests significant water quality concerns relative to other utilities. Visit our New Mexico state page for a full comparison of water systems.