Is Alamo, NM Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 52 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
49/100
waterverge.com Alamo, NM — Water Quality Report
Alamo's drinking water received a grade of D (49 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 785 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.2 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 520 violations on record, including 13 health-based violations. 52 remain unresolved.
What to know about Alamo's water
Alamo ranks #87 out of 163 cities in New Mexico for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Alamo relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
As a small community water system, Alamo may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 59 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Alamo, NM water safe to drink?
Alamo's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (49/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 785 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Alamo
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Alamo's water quality assessment. Grade: D (49/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4152). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1936). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Alamo's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Alamo's water system has 520 total violations on record, including 13 health-based violations. 52 remain unresolved. 59 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Socorro County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 2005. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies.
Where does Alamo's water come from?
Alamo's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 785 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Alamo residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Alamo's water.
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Alamo's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Flood & disaster history
Socorro County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 2005. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 1.2 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Alamo compares by contaminant
Explore where Alamo ranks among all New Mexico cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Alamo's water comes from
Alamo's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by native american ownership and serves approximately 785 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Alamo
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alamo-Alamo Community | NN3500285 | 785 | GW |
How Alamo compares
Full New Mexico rankings →Alamo's score of 49/100 is on par with the average of 44/100 among major New Mexico cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View New Mexico rankings →About Alamo, NM
Wikipedia →Alamo is a census-designated place (CDP) in Socorro County, New Mexico, United States. The population was 1,085 at the 2010 census. It is the largest community on the Alamo Navajo Indian Reservation.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Alamo's water quality findings.
Frequently asked questions
Is Alamo, NM tap water safe to drink?
Alamo's water quality earned a grade of D (49/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #87 out of 163 cities tested in New Mexico.
What contaminants are in Alamo's water?
Lead was measured at 1.2 ppb (90th percentile). 520 violations are on record.
How is Alamo's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Alamo?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Alamo's water come from?
Alamo's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 785 residents.
What health violations has Alamo's water system had?
Alamo has 13 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 52 violations remain unresolved.
Is Alamo's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Alamo uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 520 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Alamo's water compare to other cities?
Alamo ranks #87 out of 163 cities in New Mexico (better than 47% of state cities) and #13377 out of 15744 cities nationally (15th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Alamo's small water system affect quality?
Alamo's system serves approximately 785 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 520 violations on record.