Is Carrizozo, NM Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 40 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
47/100
waterverge.com Carrizozo, NM — Water Quality Report
Carrizozo's drinking water received a grade of D (47 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,758 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.0 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 109 violations on record, including 20 health-based violations. 40 remain unresolved.
What to know about Carrizozo's water
Carrizozo ranks #94 out of 163 cities in New Mexico for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Carrizozo 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, Carrizozo may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 36 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Carrizozo, NM water safe to drink?
Carrizozo's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (47/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,758 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Carrizozo
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Carrizozo's water quality assessment. Grade: D (47/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Chlorine.
Contaminants: Public Notice, Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4886). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3628). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Carrizozo's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Carrizozo's water system has 109 total violations on record, including 20 health-based violations. 40 remain unresolved. 36 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Lincoln County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1965. 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 Carrizozo's water come from?
Carrizozo's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,758 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Carrizozo residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Carrizozo'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.
Carrizozo'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
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtLincoln County is currently in D2 (severe drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Lincoln County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1965. 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. | 2.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Carrizozo compares by contaminant
Explore where Carrizozo ranks among all New Mexico cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Carrizozo's water comes from
Carrizozo'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 local government ownership and serves approximately 1,758 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Carrizozo
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CARRIZOZO WATER SYSTEM | NM3512614 | 1,758 | GW |
How Carrizozo compares
Full New Mexico rankings →Carrizozo's score of 47/100 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 Carrizozo, NM
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Carrizozo's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Lincoln
Frequently asked questions
Is Carrizozo, NM tap water safe to drink?
Carrizozo's water quality earned a grade of D (47/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #94 out of 163 cities tested in New Mexico.
What contaminants are in Carrizozo's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 109 violations are on record.
How is Carrizozo'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 Carrizozo?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Carrizozo's water come from?
Carrizozo's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,758 residents.
What health violations has Carrizozo's water system had?
Carrizozo has 20 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 40 violations remain unresolved.
Is Carrizozo's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Carrizozo 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 109 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 Carrizozo's water compare to other cities?
Carrizozo ranks #94 out of 163 cities in New Mexico (better than 42% of state cities) and #13758 out of 15744 cities nationally (13th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Carrizozo's small water system affect quality?
Carrizozo's system serves approximately 1,758 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 109 violations on record.