Is Fairacres, NM Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 13 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
83.9/100
waterverge.com Fairacres, NM — Water Quality Report
Fairacres's drinking water received a grade of B+ (83.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 944 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 33 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 13 remain unresolved.
What to know about Fairacres's water
Fairacres ranks #19 out of 163 cities in New Mexico for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Fairacres 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, Fairacres may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Fairacres, NM water safe to drink?
Fairacres's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (83.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 944 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Fairacres
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Fairacres's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (83.9/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
2 health-based. Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Fairacres's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Fairacres's water system has 33 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 13 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Fairacres's water come from?
Fairacres's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 944 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Fairacres residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Fairacres'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.
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 Fairacres
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Fairacres, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
SAPUTO CHEESE USA INC. LAS CRUCES, NM88007 | — | — | 5.6 mi |
GCC SUN CITY MATERIALS LLC - WESTGATE LAS CRUCES, NM88005 | — | — | 1.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Fairacres
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- GRIGGS WALNUT GROUND WATER PLUME4.5 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
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 Fairacres compares by contaminant
Explore where Fairacres ranks among all New Mexico cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Fairacres's water comes from
Fairacres'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 944 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Fairacres
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PICACHO MDWCA | NM3545907 | 847 | GW |
| ORGAN VIEW ESTATES | NM3510107 | 97 | GW |
How Fairacres compares
Full New Mexico rankings →Fairacres's score of 83.9/100 is above the average of 44/100 among major New Mexico cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View New Mexico rankings →About Fairacres, NM
Wikipedia →Las Cruces is a city in Doña Ana County, New Mexico, United States, and its county seat. The population was 111,385 at the 2020 census, making it the second-most populous city in New Mexico, and the largest in both Doña Ana County and southern New Mexico. It is the principal city of the Las Cruces metropolitan statistical area, which encompasses all of Doña Ana County and had an estimated 230,000 residents in 2024. The city is also part of the larger El Paso–Las Cruces combined statistical area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Fairacres's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Dona Ana
Frequently asked questions
Is Fairacres, NM tap water safe to drink?
Fairacres's water quality earned a grade of B+ (83.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #19 out of 163 cities tested in New Mexico.
What contaminants are in Fairacres's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 33 violations are on record.
How is Fairacres'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 Fairacres?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Fairacres's water come from?
Fairacres's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 944 residents.
What health violations has Fairacres's water system had?
Fairacres has 6 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 13 violations remain unresolved.
Is Fairacres's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Fairacres 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 33 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 Fairacres's water compare to other cities?
Fairacres ranks #19 out of 163 cities in New Mexico (better than 88% of state cities) and #6198 out of 15744 cities nationally (61th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.