Is Cedar Crest, NM Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 102 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
47/100
waterverge.com Cedar Crest, NM — Water Quality Report
Cedar Crest's drinking water received a grade of D (47 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 8 water systems serve approximately 2,370 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 397 violations on record, including 39 health-based violations. 102 remain unresolved.
What to know about Cedar Crest's water
Cedar Crest ranks #92 out of 163 cities in New Mexico for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Cedar Crest 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, Cedar Crest may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 28 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Cedar Crest, NM water safe to drink?
Cedar Crest'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 8 water systems serve approximately 2,370 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Cedar Crest
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Cedar Crest's water quality assessment. Grade: D (47/100).
2 health-based. Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4152). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3229). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Cedar Crest's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Cedar Crest's water system has 397 total violations on record, including 39 health-based violations. 102 remain unresolved. 28 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Sierra County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1972. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include Rio Grande Below Elephant Butte Dam.
Where does Cedar Crest's water come from?
Cedar Crest's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 8 water systems serving approximately 2,370 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Rio Grande Below Elephant Butte Dam (river).
What Cedar Crest residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Cedar Crest'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.
Cedar Crest'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Cedar Crest
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Cedar Crest, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
GCC RIO GRANDE INC TIJERAS, NM87059 | — | — | 2.7 mi |
SOLAERO TECHNOLOGIES CORP ALBUQUERQUE, NM87123 | — | — | 9.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtBernalillo 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
Sierra County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1972. 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Cedar Crest compares by contaminant
Explore where Cedar Crest ranks among all New Mexico cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Cedar Crest's water comes from
Cedar Crest'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 private ownership and serves approximately 2,370 people through 8 water systems.
Water bodies near Cedar Crest
Cedar Crest is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Cedar Crest
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SANDIA KNOLLS WATER SYSTEM | NM3511001 | 1,098 | GW |
| SIERRA VISTA MUTUAL DOMESTIC ASSOCIATION | NM3553601 | 342 | GW |
| THE RINCON WATER COOPERATIVE | NM3562101 | 276 | GW |
| FOREST PARK PROPERTY OWNERS COOP | NM3548301 | 213 | GW |
| OLD SANDIA PARK SERVICE CO-OP | NM3553501 | 200 | GW |
| SIERRA VISTA SOUTH WATER COOP | NM3511201 | 128 | GW |
| VISTA DE MANANA | NM3501201 | 63 | GWP |
| CEDAR CREST MDWC & SWA | NM3599801 | 50 | GW |
How Cedar Crest compares
Full New Mexico rankings →Cedar Crest'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 Cedar Crest, NM
Wikipedia →Elephant Butte is a city in Sierra County, New Mexico, United States, located near Elephant Butte Reservoir and Elephant Butte Lake State Park. The population was 1,447 at the time of the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Cedar Crest's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Bernalillo
Frequently asked questions
Is Cedar Crest, NM tap water safe to drink?
Cedar Crest's water quality earned a grade of D (47/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #92 out of 163 cities tested in New Mexico.
What contaminants are in Cedar Crest's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 397 violations are on record.
How is Cedar Crest'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 Cedar Crest?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Cedar Crest's water come from?
Cedar Crest's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 8 water systems serving approximately 2,370 residents.
What health violations has Cedar Crest's water system had?
Cedar Crest has 39 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. 102 violations remain unresolved.
Is Cedar Crest's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Cedar Crest 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 397 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 Cedar Crest's water compare to other cities?
Cedar Crest ranks #92 out of 163 cities in New Mexico (better than 44% of state cities) and #13738 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.