Is Hurley, NM Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 21 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
71.1/100
waterverge.com Hurley, NM — Water Quality Report
Hurley's drinking water received a grade of B- (71.1 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,945 residents using purchased ground water.
Lead levels were measured at 6.0 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 145 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 21 remain unresolved.
What to know about Hurley's water
Hurley ranks #48 out of 163 cities in New Mexico for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Hurley purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Hurley may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 9 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Hurley, NM water safe to drink?
Hurley's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (71.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,945 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Hurley
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Hurley's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (71.1/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3229). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-992). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Hurley's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Hurley's water system has 145 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 21 remain unresolved. 9 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Grant County has experienced 6 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.
Where does Hurley's water come from?
Hurley's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 2,945 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Hurley residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Hurley'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Hurley'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 Hurley
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Hurley, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CHINO MINES CO MINE CONCENTRATOR-SXEW PLANTS VANADIUM, NM88023 | — | — | 6.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtGrant 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
Grant County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1972. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Hurley's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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. | 6.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Hurley compares by contaminant
Explore where Hurley ranks among all New Mexico cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Hurley's water comes from
Hurley purchases its water supply from a regional wholesale provider rather than treating raw water directly.
Water quality depends on both the wholesaler's treatment standards and the condition of Hurley's local distribution pipes and storage facilities.
Purchased water systems are common in suburban areas and smaller communities that lack the infrastructure for independent treatment.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 2,945 people through 3 water systems.
Water systems serving Hurley
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HURLEY, TOWN OF | NM3500609 | 1,577 | GWP |
| FREEPORT MCMORAN CHINO MINES | NM3522409 | 1,050 | GW |
| NORTH HURLEY MDWCA | NM3522509 | 318 | GWP |
How Hurley compares
Full New Mexico rankings →Hurley's score of 71.1/100 is above the average of 44/100 among major New Mexico cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View New Mexico rankings →About Hurley, NM
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Hurley's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Grant
Frequently asked questions
Is Hurley, NM tap water safe to drink?
Hurley's water quality earned a grade of B- (71.1/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #48 out of 163 cities tested in New Mexico.
What contaminants are in Hurley's water?
Lead was measured at 6.0 ppb (90th percentile). 145 violations are on record.
How is Hurley'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 Hurley?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Hurley's water come from?
Hurley's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 2,945 residents.
Is Hurley's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Hurley 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 145 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 Hurley's water compare to other cities?
Hurley ranks #48 out of 163 cities in New Mexico (better than 71% of state cities) and #10614 out of 15744 cities nationally (33th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.