Layer 1

Is Albuquerque Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Yes! Generally Safe to Drink*

LAST UPDATED: 7:47 pm, August 10, 2022
+

Table of Contents

Can You Drink Tap Water in Albuquerque?

Yes, Albuquerque's tap water is generally considered safe to drink as Albuquerque has no active health based violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) that we are aware of. Other factors such as lead piping in a home, or low levels of pollutants on immunocompromised individuals, should also be considered, however. To find more recent info we might have, you can check out our boil water notice page, the city's water provider website, or Albuquerque's local Twitter account.

According the EPA’s ECHO database, from April 30, 2019 to June 30, 2022, Albuquerque's water utility, Albuquerque Water System, had 0 violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act. For more details on the violations, please see our violation history section below. This assessment is based on the Albuquerque Water System water system, other water systems in the city may have different results.

While tap water that meets the EPA health guidelines generally won’t make you sick to your stomach, it can still contain regulated and unregulated contaminants present in trace amounts that could potentially cause health issues over the long-run. These trace contaminants may also impact immunocompromised and vulnerable individuals.

The EPA is reviewing if it’s current regulations around pollutant levels in tap water are strict enough, and the health dangers posed by unregulated pollutants, like PFAS.

Water Quality Report for Albuquerque Tap Water

The most recent publicly available numbers for measured contaminant levels in Albuquerque tap water are in its 2020 Water Quality Report. As you can see, there are levels which the EPA considers to be acceptable, but being below the maximum allowable level doesn’t necessarily mean the water is healthy.

Lead in tap water, for example, is currently allowed at up to 15ppb by the EPA, but it has set the ideal goal for lead at zero. This highlights how meeting EPA standards doesn’t necessarily mean local tap water is healthy.

EPA regulations continue to change as it evaluates the long term impacts of chemicals and updates drinking water acceptable levels. The rules around arsenic, as well as, lead and copper are currently being re-evaluated.

There are also a number of "emerging" contaminants that are not currently. For example, PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), for which the EPA has issued a health advisory. PFAS are called "forever chemicals" since they tend not to break down in the environment or the human body and can accumulate over time.

We recommend looking at the contaminants present in Albuquerque's water quality reports, or getting your home's tap water tested to see if you should be filtering your water.

Albuquerque Tap Water Safe Drinking Water Act Violation History - Prior 10 Years

Below is a ten year history of violations for the water system named Albuquerque Water System for Albuquerque in New Mexico. For more details please see the "What do these Violations Mean?" section below.

For the compliance period beginning July 1, 2016, Albuquerque had 1 non-health based Safe Drinking Water Act violation with the violation category being Other Violation, more specifically, the violation code was Consumer Confidence Report Complete Failure to Report which falls into the Other rule code group, and the Consumer Confidence Rule rule code family for the following contaminant code: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Is there Lead in Albuquerque Water?

Based on the EPA’s ECHO Database, 90% of the samples taken from the Albuquerque water system, Albuquerque Water System, between sample start date and sample end date, were at or below, 0.002 mg/L of lead in Albuquerque water. This is 13.3% of the 0.015 mg/L action level. This means 10% of the samples taken from Albuquerque contained more lead.

While Albuquerque water testing may have found 0.002 mg/L of lead in its water, that does not mean your water source has the same amount. The amount of lead in water in a city can vary greatly from neighborhood to neighborhood, or even building to building. Many buildings, particularly older ones, have lead pipes or service lines which can be a source of contamination. To find out if your home has lead, we recommend getting you water tested.

No amount of lead in water is healthy, only less dangerous. As lead accumulates in our bodies over time, even exposure to relatively small amounts can have negative health effects. For more information, please check out our Lead FAQ page.

Are there PFAS in Albuquerque Tap Water?

Currently, testing tap water for PFAS isn’t mandated on a national level. We do have a list of military bases where there have been suspected or confirmed leaks. There appears to be at least one military base - Kirtland AFB - near Albuquerque with suspected leaks.

With many potential sources of PFAS in tap water across the US, the best information we currently have about which cities have PFAS in their water is this ewg map, which you can check to see if Albuquerque has been evaluated for yet.

Our stance is better safe than sorry, and that it makes sense to try to purify the tap water just in case.

Albuquerque SDWA Violation History Table - Prior 10 Years

Compliance Period Status Health-Based? Category Code Code Rule Code Contaminant Code Rule Group Code Rule Family Code
07/01/2016 - Resolved No Other Violation (Other) Consumer Confidence Report Complete Failure to Report (71) Consumer Confidence Rule (420) Consumer Confidence Rule (7000) Other (400) Consumer Confidence Rule (420)

What do these Violations Mean?

Safe Drinking Water Act Violations categories split into two groups, health based, and non-health based. Generally, health based violations are more serious, though non-health based violations can also be cause for concern.

Health Based Violations

  1. Maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) - maximum allowed contaminant level was exceeded.
  2. Maximum residual disinfectant levels (MRDLs) - maximum allowed disinfectant level was exceeded.
  3. Other violations (Other) - the exact required process to reduce the amounts of contaminants in drinking water was not followed.

Non-Health Based Violations

  1. Monitoring and reporting violations (MR, MON) - failure to conduct the required regular monitoring of drinking water quality, and/or to submit monitoring results on time.
  2. Public notice violations (Other) - failure to immediately alert consumers if there is a serious problem with their drinking water that may pose a risk to public health.
  3. Other violations (Other) - miscellaneous violations, such as failure to issue annual consumer confidence reports or maintain required records.

SDWA Table Key

Field Description
Compliance Period Dates of the compliance period.
Status Current status of the violation.
  • Resolved - The violation has at least one resolving enforcement action. In SDWIS, this indicates that either the system has returned to compliance from the violation, the rule that was violated was no longer applicable, or no further action was needed.
  • Archived - The violation is not Resolved, but is more than five years past its compliance period end date. In keeping with the Enforcement Response Policy, the violation no longer contributes to the public water system's overall compliance status. Unresolved violations are also marked as Archived when a system ceases operations (becomes inactive).
  • Addressed - The violation is not Resolved or Archived, and is addressed by one or more formal enforcement actions.
  • Unaddressed - The violation is not Resolved or Archived, and has not been addressed by formal enforcement.
show details
Health-Based? Whether the violation is health based.
Category Code
The category of violation that is reported.
  • TT - Treatment Technique Violation
  • MRDL - Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level
  • Other - Other Violation
  • MCL - Maximum Contaminant Level Violation
  • MR - Monitoring and Reporting
  • MON - Monitoring Violation
  • RPT - Reporting Violation
show details
Code A full description of violation codes can be accessed in the SDWA_REF_CODE_VALUES (CSV) table.
Contaminant Code A code value that represents a contaminant for which a public water system has incurred a violation of a primary drinking water regulation.
Rule Code Code for a National Drinking Water rule.
  • 110 - Total Coliform Rule
  • 121 - Surface Water Treatment Rule
  • 122 - Long Term 1 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule
  • 123 - Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule
  • 130 - Filter Backwash Rule
  • 140 - Ground Water Rule
  • 210 - Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
  • 220 - Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
  • 230 - Total Trihalomethanes
  • 310 - Volatile Organic Chemicals
  • 331 - Nitrates
  • 332 - Arsenic
  • 333 - Inorganic Chemicals
  • 320 - Synthetic Organic Chemicals
  • 340 - Radionuclides
  • 350 - Lead and Copper Rule
  • 410 - Public Notice Rule
  • 420 - Consumer Confidence Rule
  • 430 - Miscellaneous
  • 500 - Not Regulated
  • 111 - Revised Total Coliform Rule
show details
Rule Group Code Code that uniquely identifies a rule group.
  • 120 - Surface Water Treatment Rules
  • 130 - Filter Backwash Rule
  • 140 - Groundwater Rule
  • 210 - Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
  • 220 - Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
  • 230 - Total Trihalomethanes
  • 310 - Volatile Organic Chemicals
  • 320 - Synthetic Organic Chemicals
  • 330 - Inorganic Chemicals
  • 340 - Radionuclides
  • 350 - Lead and Copper Rule
  • 400 - Other
  • 500 - Not Regulated
  • 110 - Total Coliform Rules
  • 410 - Public Notice Rule
  • 420 - Consumer Confidence Rule
  • 430 - Miscellaneous
show details
Rule Family Code Code for rule family.
  • 100 - Microbials
  • 200 - Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
  • 300 - Chemicals
  • 400 - Other
  • 500 - Not Regulated
show details

For more clarification please visit the EPA's data dictionary.

Albuquerque Water - Frequently Asked Questions

HOW DO I CONTACT ALBUQUERQUE CUSTOMER SERVICE?
To contact customer service for the Albuquerque water provider, Albuquerque Water System, please use the information below.
By Mail: PO Box 568
ALBUQUERQUE, NM, 87103
HOW TO PAY BILL FOR ALBUQUERQUE WATER SYSTEM
Already have an account?

Existing customers can login to their Albuquerque Water System account to pay their Albuquerque water bill by clicking here.

Want to create a new account?

If you want to pay your Albuquerque Water System bill online and haven't made an account yet, you can create an account online. Please click here to create your account to pay your Albuquerque water bill.

Want to pay without an account?

If you don't want to make an account, or can't remember your account, you can make a one-time payment towards your Albuquerque water bill without creating an account using a one time payment portal with your account number and credit or debit card. Click here to make a one time payment.

HOW TO START & STOP ALBUQUERQUE WATER SERVICE
Starting Your Service

Moving to a new house or apartment in Albuquerque means you will often need to put the water in your name with Albuquerque Water System. In order to put the water in your name, please click the link to the start service form below. Start service requests for water bills typically take two business days.

Start Service Form

Want to create a new account?

Leaving your house or apartment in Albuquerque means you will likely need to take your name off of the water bill with Albuquerque Water System. In order to take your name off the water bill, please click the link to the stop service form below. Stop service for water bills requests typically take two business days.

Stop Service Form

Is Albuquerque Tap Water Safe to Drink? Tap water & safety quality

The estimated price of bottled water

$2.23 in USD (1.5-liter)

USER SUBMITTED RATINGS

Albuquerque tap water
  • Drinking Water Pollution and Inaccessibility 25% Low
  • Water Pollution 39% Low
  • Drinking Water Quality and Accessibility 75% High
  • Water Quality 61% High

The above data is comprised of subjective, user submitted opinions about the water quality and pollution in Albuquerque, measured on a scale from 0% (lowest) to 100% (highest).

Related FAQS

Albuquerque Water Quality Report (Consumer Confidence Report)

The EPA mandates that towns and cities consistently monitor and test their tap water. They must report their findings in an annual Consumer Confidence Report. Below is the most recent water quality report from Albuquerque's Water. If you would like to see the original version of the report, please click here.

2020 WATER QUALITY REPORT

  • Where your water comes from
  • How your water is made safe to drink, and how it’s protected from contaminants including the novel coronavirus
  • Results of EPA-required sampling and testing
  • Understanding water quality regulations
  • Where to find more information

Outperforming

ALL Federal

Standards

for

Safe

 

 

Drinking

Water

 

PREPARED FOR CUSTOMERS OF THE

YOUR DRINKING WATER

HOW IT’S MADE SAFE TO DRINK

Groundwater requires little treatment other than disinfection via chlorination, and in some cases undergoes additional filtering for arsenic removal. Surface water, however, requires extensive purification before distribution, using a series of mechanical and chemical processes, as shown below. Treatment, including chemical stabilization for corrosion prevention, occurs at the San Juan-Chama Drinking Water Project surface-water treatment plant. Treatment processes destroy bacteria and viruses.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

o

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

c

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

n

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

a

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

l

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RioB

 

 

 

 

o

NORTH

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

j

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

a

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

r

 

 

 

 

v

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

e

 

 

 

a

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

N

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

v

 

 

e

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

i

 

ttl

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

R

 

 

Li

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

n

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

a

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ju

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

n

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sa

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WHERE

HOW IT’S

Making sure that treatment processes

are working correctly requires careful

IT COMES

MONITORED

monitoring by a full-time staff of trained

water quality engineers, scientists, and

 

 

 

 

 

r

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

e

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

iv

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

R

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

jo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nava

 

AZOTEA

 

 

 

 

 

 

e

k

 

 

 

TUNNEL

 

 

 

 

r

e

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

C

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

w

 

 

 

 

ma

 

 

 

l

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

l

 

 

 

 

 

 

ha

 

 

 

i

o

 

 

ioC

 

HERON

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

W

 

 

R

 

 

 

 

RESERVOIR

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EL VADO

RESERVOIR

ABIQUIU

RESERVOIR

COL

 

 

 

NEW

ORADO

 

 

 

 

MEXICO

 

 

 

 

e

 

 

 

d

 

 

n

 

 

 

a

 

 

 

 

r

 

 

 

G

 

 

o

 

 

 

Ri

 

 

 

 

FROM

& TESTED

technicians. In 2020 the Water Authority

collected and tested more than 5,500

 

 

Water Authority customers

 

water samples from wells, storage

 

tanks, customer taps, and the surface-

rely on locally pumped

 

 

water treatment plant. Some of the

groundwater plus surface

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COCHITI

Surface water

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RESERVOIR

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and groundwater

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

combined for

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

distribution

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ALBUQUERQUE /

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BERNALILLO

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COUNTY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

e

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

d

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

n

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

a

 

 

 

Excess

 

 

o

G

r

 

 

 

 

surface water

R

i

 

 

 

 

 

 

stored in

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

aquifer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WATER

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TREATMENT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PLANT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AQUIFER

LEGEND

Surface Water

Diversion Facility

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Groundwater

Tunnel/Channel

water imported from

 

 

testing is required by the Environmental

 

 

Protection Agency (EPA) and some of it

the Colorado River basin

 

 

 

 

is voluntary, but it’s all done to ensure

via the San Juan-Chama

 

 

 

 

that Albuquerque and Bernalillo County

Project. The utility works

 

 

 

 

have a municipal water supply that’s

with the New Mexico Environment

 

 

second to none in terms of quality.

Department (NMED) and other agencies to conduct

 

 

 

periodic source water assessments to determine the

 

 

susceptibility of local drinking water to contamination.

SEE THE 2020 TEST RESULTS

The latest assessment, called the Rivers and

Aquifers Protection Plan (RAPP) is available

 

 

online at www.abcwua.org/your-drinking-water/

 

 

1

2020 COMPLIANCE MONITORING RESULTS (Albuquerque Water System, NM35-10701; see page 3 for definitions)

SUBSTANCE

 

 

Detection Limit

 

Average

 

Average Detected

 

 

Sample

Lowest amount that can be

Minimum

Detected

 

at San Juan-Chama

 

OR CONDITION

Source

Year(s)

detected with available technology

Detected

System-wide

 

Drinking Water Plant

Maximum Detected

As

Arsenic See Common

Erosion of natural

2020

1 PPB

Zero PPB

3 PPB

 

Zero PPB

8 PPB

Concerns on page 4

volcanic deposits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ba

Barium

Erosion of natural deposits

2020

0.01 PPM

0.03 PPM

0.072 PPM

 

0.054 PPM

0.17 PPM

Cr

Chromium

Erosion of natural deposits

2020

1 PPB

Zero PPB

0.8 PPB

 

Zero PPB

7 PPB

F-

Fluoride*

Erosion of natural deposits

2020

0.10 PPM

0.39 PPM

0.66 PPM

 

0.77 PPM

1.2 PPM

 

Gross Alpha

Erosion of natural deposits

2020

0.7 - 1.0 pCi/L

Zero pCi/L

0.4 pCi/L

 

Zero pCi/L

0.9 pCi/L

 

Particle Activity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NO3-

Nitrate

Runoff from fertilizer use;

2020

0.05 PPM

Zero PPM

0.49 PPM

 

0.15 PPM

2.8 PPM

 

 

leaching from septic

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

tanks, sewage; erosion

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

of natural deposits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ra

Radium

Erosion of natural deposits

2020

0.01 - 0.21 pCi/L

Zero pCi/L

0.07 pCi/L

 

0.05 pCi/L

0.19 pCi/L

226 + 228

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

C8H10

Total Xylenes

Discharge from petroleum

2020

0.0005 PPM

Zero PPM

0.000062 PPM

 

Zero PPM

0.00065 PPM

 

or chemical factories

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U

Uranium

Erosion of natural deposits

2020

1 PPB

Zero PPB

2.2 PPB

 

Zero PPB

5 PPB

BrO3-

Bromate

By-product of drinking

2020

1 PPB

Zero PPB

Not Applicable

 

1.6 PPB

5 PPB

 

 

water disinfection

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cl

Chlorine

Disinfectant

2020

0.1 PPM (distribution system)

0.3 PPM

1.0 PPM

 

Not Applicable

1.7 PPM

 

 

 

 

0.03 PPM (surface water)

0.6 PPM

Not Applicable

 

1.6 PPM

1.7 PPM

 

 

 

 

0.03 PPM (groundwater)

 

 

TT met at 100% of sites

 

 

 

 

 

 

(TT= Maintain required chlorine level or restore within 4 hours)

 

Cryptosporidium

Human and animal

2015-2017

1 Oocyst/L

Zero

Not Applicable

 

0.004 Oocysts/L

0.093 Oocysts/L

 

 

fecal waste

 

 

Oocysts/L

 

 

 

 

 

Turbidity (cloudiness;

Soil runoff

2020

0.002 NTU

0.01 NTU

Not Applicable

 

Not Applicable

0.2 NTU

 

indicates effectiveness of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

filtration and disinfection)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

C

Total Organic

Naturally present in

2020

1 PPM

Zero PPM

Not Applicable

 

0.7 PPM

1.4 PPM

Carbon

the environment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Coliform

Coliforms are bacteria

2020

Not Applicable

Not

Not Applicable

 

Not Applicable

1 of 245 samples or 0.41%

 

 

that are normally present

 

 

Applicable

 

 

 

of samples taken in a month

 

 

in the environment

 

 

 

 

 

 

had detectable total coliform

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

bacteria. No total coliform

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

bacteria was detected in any

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

repeat sample at any location.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SAFE

 

 

TO

DRINK

 

 

 

Maximum

PER

EPA

Maximum Contaminant

Contaminant

 

 

 

Level (MCL)

Level Goal (MCLG)

 

 

10 PPB

Zero PPB

 

 

 

2 PPM

2 PPM

 

 

 

100 PPB

100 PPB

 

 

 

4 PPM

4 PPM

 

 

 

15 pCi/L

Zero pCi/L

 

 

 

10 PPM

10 PPM

 

 

 

5 pCi/L

Zero pCi/L

 

 

 

10 PPM

10 PPM

 

 

 

30 PPB

Zero PPB

 

 

 

10 PPB

Zero PPB

 

 

 

4 PPM (MRDL)

4 PPM (MRDLG)

 

 

4 PPM (MRDL)

4 PPM (MRDLG)

 

 

TT

TT

 

 

 

TT

Zero Oocysts/L

 

 

1 NTU in all finished water

Zero NTU

 

 

 

samples, 95% of the

 

 

 

 

finished water samples

 

 

 

 

must be less than 0.3 NTU

 

 

 

 

TT

Not Applicable

 

 

Presence of coliform

0% of samples

 

 

bacteria in 5.0% or

with detectable

 

 

more of samples in

coliform bacteria

 

 

any month

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SUBSTANCE

Source

Sample

Detection Limit

Range of Results**

Maximum LRAA

 

Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL)

Maximum Contaminant

Year

 

Disinfection by-products are regulated based on the LRAA

Level Goal (MCLG)

HAA5

Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)

By-product of chlorination

2020

0.48 - 0.50 PPB

Zero - 19 PPB

 

19 PPB

 

 

 

60 PPB

 

 

Not Applicable

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TTHM

Total Trihalomethanes(TTHM)

By-product of chlorination

2020

0.5 PPB

3.4 - 62 PPB

 

48 PPB

 

 

 

80 PPB

 

 

Not Applicable

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SUBSTANCE

 

Sample

 

 

Number of Samples

 

Maximum

 

Action Level (Compared to the concentration

 

Maximum Contaminant

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Source

Year

Detection Limit

90th Percentile

that Exceed Action Level

 

Detected

 

detected in the 90th percentile sample.)

 

 

Level Goal (MCLG)

 

Pb

Lead See Common Concerns on page 4

Corrosion of

2018

1 PPB

1 PPB

Zero

 

 

3 PPB

 

 

15 PPB

 

 

Zero PPB

 

 

household plumbing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cu

Copper

Corrosion of

2018

0.01 PPM

0.25 PPM

Zero

 

 

0.36 PPM

 

1.3 PPM

 

 

Zero PPM

 

 

household plumbing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(See footnotes on page 4)

2

STANDARDS OF QUALITY

YOUR DRINKING WATER

To protect public health and safety, the EPA limits the amount of certain substances, known as contaminants, in drinking water. The table on the preceding

page shows the latest test results for these regulated substances in drinking water distributed by the Water Authority to its customers in Albuquerque and Bernalillo County.

YOUR WATER AUTHORITY

DRINKING WATER CONTAMINANTS:

WHAT EPA SAYS

Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

Contaminants come in many forms, both natural and manmade, and can enter the sources of our drinking water in a number of ways, including dissolution of naturally occurring minerals. Contaminants in drinking water sources may include microbial contaminants (e.g., viruses and bacteria); inorganic contaminants, such as salts and metals; pesticides and herbicides; organic chemical contaminants from industrial processes, gas stations, septic systems, etc.; and radioactive contaminants, both naturally occurring and as a result of human activity.

In order to ensure drinking water safety, EPA prescribes regulations limiting the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) establishes limits for contaminants in bottled water that provide the same protections for public health.

DEFINITIONS

The Water Authority has been nationally recognized not only for its highly successful conservation program, but for the quality and affordability of its drinking water and for its efforts to preserve

and manage the community’s water resources. It holds a AAA bond rating from Standard & Poor’s.

RECENT AWARDS

Excellence in Management Platinum Award (2020)


National Association of Clean Water Agencies

Utility of the Future (2020)

National Association of Clean Water Agencies (for watershed stewardship)



National Environmental Achievement

Award, Watershed Collaboration (2020)


National Association of Clean Water Agencies

Action Level: The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements which a water system must follow.

Cryptosporidium is a microbial pathogen found in surface water throughout the U.S. We monitor the river for Cryptosporidium. The San Juan-Chama Drinking Water Plant was designed to provide a multi- barrier approach (pre-sedimentation, clarification, and filtration) to removing Cryptosporidium in order to meet the EPA requirements.

Locational Running Annual Average (LRAA): The average of analytical results for samples taken at a particular monitoring location during the previous four calendar quarters.

Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL): The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCLs are set as close to the MCLGs as feasible using the best available treatment technology.

Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG): The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MCLGs allow for a margin of safety.

Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level (MRDL): The highest level of a disinfectant allowed in drinking water. There is convincing evidence that addition of a disinfectant is necessary for control of microbial contaminants.

Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal (MRDLG): The level of a drinking water disinfectant below which there is no known or expected

risk to health. MRDLGs do not reflect the benefits of the use of disinfectants to control microbial contaminants.

Nephelometric Turbidity Unit (NTU): A measure of cloudiness or haziness caused by suspended solids.

Parts Per Billion (PPB): Parts per billion or micrograms per liter (ug/L). 1 PPB = 0.001 PPM. Example: one drop of water in an Olympic-size swimming pool.

Parts Per Million (PPM): Parts per million or milligrams per liter (mg/L). 1 PPM = 1,000 PPB. Example: four drops of water in a 55-gallon barrel.

picoCuries per liter (pCi/L):

A measure of radioactivity.

Treatment Technique (TT): A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water.

3

UNREGULATED

CONTAMINANTS

Some substances found in drinking water are not regulated by the EPA, but testing for them in some cases is required for research purposes under the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR).

2020 UNREGULATED CONTAMINANT MONITORING RESULTS

 

 

Minimum

 

 

SUBSTANCE

Sample

Reporting

Range

Average

Year

Level

of Results

of Results

1-Butanol

2019

2 PPB

Zero - 2.5 PPB

Zero PPB

 

 

 

 

 

Germanium

2019

0.3 PPB

Zero - 0.38 PPB

Zero PPB

 

 

 

 

 

Manganese

2019-2020

0.4 PPB

Zero - 65 PPB

4.0 PPB

 

 

 

 

 

O-Toluidine

2019

0.007 PPB

Zero - 0.007 PPB

Zero PPB

 

 

 

 

 

Total HAA5

2018

0.2 PPB

1.6 - 17 PPB

7.8 PPB

 

 

 

 

 

Total HAA6Br

2018

0.2 PPB

2.4 - 17 PPB

9.1 PPB

 

 

 

 

 

Total HAA9

2018

0.2 PPB

3.1 - 27 PPB

14.8 PPB

 

 

 

 

 

Source Water

2018

0.2 - 0.3

2.2 - 3.7 PPM

2.9 PPM

Total Organic

 

PPM

 

 

Carbon

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Source Water

2018

5 PPB

26 - 45 PPB

34.8 PPB

Bromide

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*The Water Authority continues working to meet a target fluoride range of 0.65 to

0.72 mg/L. More information at www.abcwua.org/your-drinking-water-fluoride- information/

COMMON CONCERNS

  • Should I be concerned about lead?

The Water Authority has removed all known lead components from its water distribution system. However, the utility offers free lead and copper testing for customers concerned about their home plumbing fixtures. Visit www.abcwua.org/your-drinking-water-lead-sample-collection-request/ or call 289-3653 to schedule a test.

RESULTS OF

SUBSTANCE

Minimum

Maximum

90th Percentile

Action Level

2020 CUSTOMER-

REQUESTED

Pb Lead

Zero PPB

3 PPB

2 PPB

15 PPB

TESTING

 

 

 

 

 

(33 SAMPLES)

 

 

 

 

 

Here’s what the EPA has to say about lead: If present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing. Your local Water Authority is responsible

for providing high quality drinking water, but cannot control the variety of materials used in home plumbing components. When your water has been sitting for several hours, you can minimize the potential for lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. If you are concerned about lead in your water, you may wish to have your water tested. Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the federal Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791) or at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

  • Is there arsenic in my drinking water?

All of Albuquerque’s drinking water meets EPA standards for arsenic. Allowable levels of arsenic are present in some locations, mainly due to erosion of natural deposits. EPA continues to research the health effects of low levels of arsenic, which is a metal known to cause cancer in humans at high concentrations and is linked to other health effects such as skin damage and circulatory problems.

3 What if I am immuno-compromised?

Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immuno- compromised persons such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly, and infants can be particularly at risk from infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. EPA/Centers for Disease Control guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk

of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

  • What about sodium?

Sodium levels in the Water Authority’s service area range from 19 to 81 PPM (average: 33 PPM). For more information, visit www.abcwua.org and click on the Your Water tab.

5 Information about PFAS

Local drinking water remains protected from manmade chemicals known as Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS). The Water Authority’s system has been tested as part of EPA Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring requirements with no detections to date.

** The range represents the minimum and maximum of all quarterly analytical

4

results at all 12 monitoring locations.

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

CONTACT THE WATER AUTHORITY

 

Call 842-WATR (9287) to

 

• Report a water or sewer emergency

• Report water waste

Pay a bill over the phone

• Report unusual activity at water facilities

Make billing inquires

 

Call 289-3653 (the Water Quality Information Line) with questions about your water quality, or email us at waterquality@abcwua.org.

En Español: Este reporte contiene informacion muy importante acerca de la calidad del agua. Para recibir una copia en español, llamen al 505-842-9287 o visita la pagina: www.abcwua.org/your-drinking-water-download-report-english-spanish/

OTHER SOURCES OF INFORMATION

 

Water Authority

U.S. Environmental

New Mexico Environment Department

website

Protection Agency

Drinking Water Bureau

www.abcwua.org

www.epa.gov/safewater

www.env.nm.gov/dwb

Check us out on Facebook and Nextdoor!

INFORMATION ON CORONAVIRUS/COVID-19

The municipal water supply is protected from the novel coronavirus, and other viruses and biological contaminants, via the Water Authority’s existing treatment and disinfection procedures. More information is available from­—

GET INVOLVED!

Want to do more to help protect local drinking water supplies? You can start by staying informed! Links to up-to-date information about watershed and source-water protection can be found at www.NMSourceWaterProtection.com.

Other opportunities for involvement include attendance at one of our monthly board meetings, where issues concerning water quality are discussed. Meetings are open to the public

and held virtually or in council chambers in the basement of the City/County Government Center at One Civic Plaza. Meeting schedules and agendas are available at www.abcwua.org. You’ll also find meeting schedules for the community’s Water Protection Advisory Board.

The Centers for

The New Mexico

U.S. Environmental

Disease Control

Department of Health

Protection Agency

www.cdc.gov/coronavirus

https://cv.nmhealth.org

www.epa.gov/coronavirus/what-should-i-do-if-im-concerned-about-my-drinking-water

The Water Authority is the largest water and sewer utility in New Mexico and is governed by a board of elected officials. Board members for 2020: Steven Michael Quezada, Bernalillo County

 

Commissioner, Chair; Klarissa J. Peña, Albuquerque City Councilor, Vice Chair; Walt Benson, Bernalillo County Commissioner; Pat Davis, Albuquerque City Councilor; Trudy E. Jones,

 

Albuquerque City Councilor; Timothy M. Keller, Mayor of Albuquerque; Charlene E. Pyskoty, Bernalillo County Commissioner; Pablo Rael, Trustee, Village of Los Ranchos (non-voting).

 

Executive Director: Mark S. Sanchez.

5

 

Contaminants


Albuquerque Water System

EWG's drinking water quality report shows results of tests conducted by the water utility and provided to the Environmental Working Group by the New Mexico Environment Department, as well as information from the U.S. EPA Enforcement and Compliance History database (ECHO). For the latest quarter assessed by the U.S. EPA (January 2019 - March 2019), tap water provided by this water utility was in compliance with federal health-based drinking water standards.

Utility details

  • Serves: 601983
  • Data available: 2012-2017
  • Data Source: Surface water
  • Total: 27

Contaminants That Exceed Guidelines

  • Arsenic
  • Bromate
  • Bromodichloromethane
  • Bromoform
  • Chloroform
  • Chromium (hexavalent)
  • Dibromochloromethane
  • Dichloroacetic acid
  • Nitrate and nitrite
  • Radium%2C combined (-226 & -228)
  • Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs)
  • Trichloroacetic acid
  • Uranium

Other Detected Contaminants

  • 1%2C4-Dioxane
  • Barium
  • Bromide
  • Chlorate
  • Chromium (total)
  • Dibromoacetic acid
  • Fluoride
  • Haloacetic acids (HAA5)
  • Molybdenum
  • Monobromoacetic acid
  • Monochloroacetic acid
  • Strontium
  • Vanadium
  • Xylenes (total)

Reminder

Always take extra precautions, the water may be safe to drink when it leaves the sewage treatment plant but it may pick up pollutants during its way to your tap. We advise that you ask locals or hotel staff about the water quality. Also, note that different cities have different water mineral contents.

Sources and Resources

Albuquerque Tap Water

If you are a resident of Albuquerque then you know how important it is to have clean and purified tap water. You buy bottled water to drink when you are at work or on vacation, but did you realize that tap water can be just as harmful? Our drinking supply is filled with numerous contaminants from industrial chemicals, to waste and dirt. Not only can this contamination affect your health, but it can also cost you a lot of money. The city of Albuquerque is one of the most polluted cities in the nation. So if you are concerned about the quality of your drinking water, then now may be the time to look into some of the options available for better quality water.

There are many different options when it comes to filtration. New technological advances in the industry have allowed companies to manufacture a number of purification systems for homes, offices, and even businesses. Some of these systems can remove heavy metals, bacteria, algae, odor, pesticides, and a host of other contaminants from your tap water. These systems can make your tap water clean and safe for drinking right from the tap.

Water filtration companies in Albuquerque are devoted to providing you with the best quality water available. They utilize a variety of different methods to test the water and then provide you with filtered water that is of the highest quality. There is nothing quite like the taste and satisfaction of filtered water. By using these services you are ensuring that you and your family are getting the freshest possible water. This can help you to enjoy delicious meals, clean water and save money on your water bill.

Albuquerque Water

If you’re wondering what the connection between your city water treatment and your drinking water is, consider the impact of an untreated river run-off into Albuquerque’s underground supply. This happens infrequently enough to be undetectable by the naked eye, but it can have disastrous consequences. The National Park System reports that one-third of the miles of the Colorado-NE aquifer between Albuquerque and Las Cruces is in danger of running low. When this happens, wells used for drinking are only able to meet the needs of the community’s residents. With a reliable, quality water supply so important to the health and well-being of everyone in the region, it makes sense to take immediate steps to repair the damage.

Your Albuquerque water treatment plant is responsible for treating about 65 million gallons of water every day, but that doesn’t mean that they take it all seriously. After all, the drinking water treatment facility is designed to treat bacteria, not viruses or severe weather. That means that in order to protect your family from contaminated water, you need a whole house filtration system. But because the water is treated before it reaches your home, you may never know that there is a problem. That’s why it is critical that you check your water at least twice a year for problems.

In order to meet the drinking water needs of your community, you must have a reliable water treatment facility. The problem is that there are hundreds of units to choose from, each designed for a certain level of filtration and use. You don’t want to waste money on a system that won’t work right for your family. That’s why it’s best to consult a local expert who can help you find the best filtration system for your city.

Drinking Water

Drinking water, also referred to as potable water, is safe to use or drink for consumption. However, the recommended daily amount of drinking water needed to keep good health varies, depending on age, physical activity level, health-related concerns, and other environmental factors. For instance, infants, the elderly, pregnant women, people with disabilities, or people living in rural areas may need more water than others. The following are some important facts about this topic.

Although the percentage of Americans who regularly drink bottled water has been increasing, a number of them still do not consider it safe to do so. There have been instances in which bottled water has been found to contain trace amounts of certain chemicals that can be harmful to the human body. Additionally, a lot of studies show that people who regularly consume tap water may suffer from serious kidney problems. On the other hand, bottled water is made up of water that originates from natural resources, such as spring-water, which is deemed to be completely safe for consumption. In addition, researchers have shown that most bottled waters do not contain certain contaminants such as lead or other toxic metals.

Apart from these, consuming high water content beverages also helps in weight loss. Research shows that the consumption of soda, tea, coffee, and energy drinks can help in weight loss because these beverages contain high levels of calories, which can make you feel hungry and consequently increase your body fat intake. Thus, instead of gaining weight, you may just be eating unhealthy foods and gain even more body fat. To lose weight, one must choose beverages that contain low water content, such as fruit juices, milk, yogurt, or other such healthy alternatives.

Water Treatment

For drinking, cooking, and bathing, Albuquerque water treatment and filtration systems provide the cleanest and purest drinking water in the State of New Mexico. Since Albuquerque is served by two municipal water treatment plants, it is necessary to have one of the larger models installed before moving forward with a new or replacement water system. The latest models of these filtration systems use multi-stage filtration technology to ensure that all of the chemical compounds and minerals that make up water are removed. This leaves you with purified, great-tasting water from a clean source. The multi-stage filtration process not only removes harmful bacteria and sediment but also removes any trace minerals that may be present.

During normal use, our tap water contains millions of bacteria, algae, protozoa, cysts, viruses, fungi, and other organisms that can be found in any water system. These unwanted particles are harmless to humans when they are present in the water, however, when they accumulate over time and begin to clog the filters, the entire water processing process becomes compromised. Water treatment professionals believe that it is impossible to remove all of the bacteria, viruses, and other organisms from water simply using modern technologies. This is why it is imperative to have a professional water treatment facility within striking distance in order to guarantee contaminant removal.

There are many benefits to having your water tested and treated at an Albuquerque water treatment plant. Not only will you know what, if any, impurities are present in your water, but you will be able to determine exactly how much contamination is in your local water supply. A quality water treatment plant will also be able to advise you on the best methods of purification that will work best for your particular situation. New Mexico has some of the most incredible water sources in the entire United States. By having your water tested, it’s possible to find out exactly where the water contamination is occurring and then work towards the most effective solution to cleanse your water supply.

Drinking Water Contaminant

If you’re looking for a quality drinking water treatment system, then there are a number of things you should look out for. The Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, has published guidelines that are used across the country for determining what is in your water. Unfortunately, most municipal water systems still receive a low pass rating by the federal government, as most municipal regulations allow pharmaceuticals in tap water at dangerously high levels than what researchers deem safe. Additionally, there are several unregulated pollutants that find their way into your drinking water.

Because some of these pollutants are regulated by state law, and because scientists believe that human consumption of prescription medications can cause certain types of cancer, public water systems are not required to test for them. One type of water contaminant that has found its way into your local water supply, and has yet to have an effective safe water act passed that would regulate it, is prescription drug runoff. These drugs get flushed through our drainage systems and end up in our streams and rivers. Also, pesticides that are used on crops get washed down the downspouts into our streams and rivers and end up in our drinking water as well. There is currently no safe water act in place that would regulate prescription drug runoff.

Another common water contaminant that has yet to be regulated is cryptosporidium. This cyst-like organism has already been linked to a variety of illnesses, including necrotic encephalopathy, amoebiasis, cholera, dysentery, meningitis, and even a case of death. While cryptosporidium is a regulated pollutant, testing for this contaminant is still not a regular part of municipal public works practice. It is not uncommon for companies to use a semi-permanent internal icon liner with the contaminated water, which prevents the contaminants from coming out of the pipe before it is eventually disposed of. This would be a fine regulation for most homeowners, but the state doesn’t require companies to test for it.

Water Systems

Albuquerque water systems are among the best in the United States. The city of Albuquerque, New Mexico has a long and rich history, dating back over a century. Today, Albuquerque is home to some of the finest public schools in the nation. It also boasts some of the finest health care facilities available and is a vibrant and thriving metropolis that prides itself on serving its customers with the best possible water and sewage services.

The primary responsibility of the city’s water utility is to serve the public through effective infrastructure. They also have the responsibility of providing affordable housing, ensuring clean water, ensuring clean air, and ensuring that our environment remains healthy. Albuquerque is home to a variety of industries, ranging from small family-owned stores to large-scale corporations. The city is absolutely dependent upon the water which it provides and the sewer system which connects all of these entities together.

The main source of the city’s water supply is the Albuquerque Water System. This system serves all of the areas that surround Albuquerque, including Santa Fe, Taos, Albuquerque, Lucero, and surrounding areas. If you are interested in purchasing a home or business in this exciting and thriving community, it is important to know and understand the role that these water systems play in keeping the community both safe and healthy. By knowing which companies provide the most reliable service, you can rest assured that you will always have the water and sewer services that you need.

Water Supply

An Albuquerque water supply filter is essential if you want to drink safe, clean water for drinking, cooking, and other household uses. The city of Albuquerque has a population of over seven million, making it one of the most populous cities in New Mexico. Because of this, the Department of Water and Power (DOWP) regulates how many customers can have water services and the number of people who can receive them, as well as the quality and purity of the water provided.

DOWP regulates the distribution of water in the city of Albuquerque through the delivery of water via two main means: through storm drains and through the normal city water system. If your water supply in the city of Albuquerque is contaminated or if you are experiencing any kind of problem with the water supply, you should call your local DOWP office immediately. DOWP will send a team of experts to the scene and then evaluate your home or apartment to determine if anything needs to be replaced or repaired. When the evaluation is complete and you know the cause of the problem, it is time to get a water purification system installed. These systems are very effective at cleaning your water of all the harmful contaminants that are in the tap water of many homes in the Albuquerque area.

Although your water may not seem dirty or smelling, if you take a look around you will notice the number of illnesses and diseases that have been around for hundreds of years that can be traced back to the water that we have available to us on a daily basis. Drinking unfiltered water, even though it may taste good, can do harm to your body. By taking care when you are taking a shower or washing your hands, you are giving yourself the best chance to avoid getting sick from the water supply in your home.

New Mexico Environment Department

The New Mexico Environment Department is an independent state agency responsible for protecting and restoring the state’s environment to foster a healthy and successful New Mexico for future and current generations. Their mission is achieved by working to create a “workplace, neighborhood, town or region that meets the challenges of today’s rapidly changing world,” while protecting natural resources and ecological resources. The environment has long been a major priority for New Mexico officials. From their creation in 1966 through their most current phase, the New Mexico Environment Department has continually worked to protect New Mexico’s environment by preserving and promoting environmental policies and programs. The ultimate goal is to “promote a knowledge-based, scientific, economic, and regulatory environment that will serve as a model for other states and the country.”

New Mexico’s unique environment is found throughout its vast wilderness areas, ranging from plateaus to basins, to lowlands and mountains. This vast landscape not only offers a wide variety of habitats and sites but has also provided a platform for renewable energy development and scientific research. For this reason, scientists, conservationists, ranchers, and others have worked diligently to make sure that the New Mexico environment is able to adapt to and deal with the many changes taking place. One way that the New Mexico Environment Department works towards preserving New Mexico’s environment is through the protection and maintenance of each state’s endangered species act.

For those who are interested in preserving New Mexico’s wildlife and plants, the New Mexico Environment Department can help you with this goal. They provide education about the species that are native to New Mexico and the issues that affect each one. Through educational presentations and hands-on activities, the New Mexico Environment Department helps people learn about the needs of these animals and plants and work to find ways to preserve their natural habitat. It is their goal to ensure that future generations have the tools necessary to preserve the ecosystems that support all forms of life. They work diligently to develop partnerships with private, state, and federal partners to support these efforts. As a result, New Mexico continues to be a leader in environmental protection and conservation.

Albuquerque Water Source

Have you been considering having an Albuquerque water source? The city is rich in natural resources like gas, coal, and oil deposits. These natural resources have made the city to be a commercial and industrial hub. The city is also well known for its excellent weather conditions. With this, there is a high demand for both residential and commercial properties. If you are a person interested in investing or renting your own home in the city, then you should consider these two reasons.

First, it is important that you are assured of having a reliable water supply. The city of Albuquerque has been able to draw a steady amount of water from the Rio Grande River. This makes Albuquerque one of the most preferred places to have a water source because of the availability of water. In addition, the city’s tap water has a high nutrient content, unlike other cities which may have different sources of water that are not as reliable. In fact, some of the minerals found in tap water are very harmful to the health.

Second, the availability of the water supply is not a problem. This is the main reason why a lot of investors are willing to put their money into an Albuquerque water source project. The profit margin in this kind of business venture is high. Aside from the profit that you will earn from your project, you will also be helping the community to enjoy clean water free from any harmful effects brought by unhealthy water.

Layer 1
Layer 1
Layer 1
Layer 1