Is High Rolls, NM Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 65 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
46.1/100
waterverge.com High Rolls, NM — Water Quality Report
High Rolls's drinking water received a grade of D (46.1 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 684 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.0 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 158 violations on record, including 34 health-based violations. 65 remain unresolved.
What to know about High Rolls's water
High Rolls ranks #98 out of 163 cities in New Mexico for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
High Rolls 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, High Rolls may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 12 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is High Rolls, NM water safe to drink?
High Rolls's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (46.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 684 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for High Rolls
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into High Rolls's water quality assessment. Grade: D (46.1/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper 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: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Chlorine.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for High Rolls's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
High Rolls's water system has 158 total violations on record, including 34 health-based violations. 65 remain unresolved. 12 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Otero County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1984. 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 High Rolls's water come from?
High Rolls's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 5 water systems serving approximately 684 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What High Rolls residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in High Rolls'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.
High Rolls'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 droughtOtero 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
Otero County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1984. 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. | 3.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how High Rolls compares by contaminant
Explore where High Rolls ranks among all New Mexico cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where High Rolls's water comes from
High Rolls'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 684 people through 5 water systems.
Water systems serving High Rolls
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PINEYWOODS ESTATES WATER ASSOCIATION | NM3546019 | 320 | GW |
| KARR CANYON ESTATES | NM3500219 | 108 | GW |
| MOUNTAIN ORCHARD MDWCA | NM3563619 | 105 | GW |
| CIDER MILL FARMS MDWCA | NM3574519 | 76 | GW |
| JUNIPER MOBILE PARK | NM3568819 | 75 | GW |
How High Rolls compares
Full New Mexico rankings →High Rolls's score of 46.1/100 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 High Rolls, NM
Wikipedia →High Rolls is an unincorporated community and census-designated place in Otero County, New Mexico, United States. It is nestled within the Lincoln National Forest at the southernmost tip of the Sacramento Mountains.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to High Rolls's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Otero
Frequently asked questions
Is High Rolls, NM tap water safe to drink?
High Rolls's water quality earned a grade of D (46.1/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #98 out of 163 cities tested in New Mexico.
What contaminants are in High Rolls's water?
Lead was measured at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile). 158 violations are on record.
How is High Rolls'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 High Rolls?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does High Rolls's water come from?
High Rolls's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 5 water systems serving approximately 684 residents.
What health violations has High Rolls's water system had?
High Rolls has 34 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. 65 violations remain unresolved.
Is High Rolls's groundwater at risk of contamination?
High Rolls 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 158 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 High Rolls's water compare to other cities?
High Rolls ranks #98 out of 163 cities in New Mexico (better than 40% of state cities) and #13913 out of 15744 cities nationally (12th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.