Is Jal, NM Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+, with 35 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
65/100
waterverge.com Jal, NM — Water Quality Report
Jal's drinking water received a grade of C+ (65 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 5,500 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.8 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 67 violations on record, including 17 health-based violations. 35 remain unresolved.
What to know about Jal's water
Jal ranks #63 out of 163 cities in New Mexico for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Jal 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.
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 Jal, NM water safe to drink?
Jal's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (65/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 5,500 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Jal
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Jal's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (65/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Chlorine.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
5 health-based. Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3229). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-945). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Jal's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Jal's water system has 67 total violations on record, including 17 health-based violations. 35 remain unresolved. 9 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Lea County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1992. 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 Jal's water come from?
Jal's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 5,500 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Jal residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Jal'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 Jal
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Jal, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
JAL 3 GAS PLANT JAL, NM88252 | — | — | 1.5 mi |
DARK HORSE TREATING FACILITY JAL, NM88252 | — | — | 0.4 mi |
RED HILLS GAS PLANT JAL, NM88252 | — | — | 1.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtLea 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
Lea County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1992. 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. | 0.8 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Jal compares by contaminant
Explore where Jal ranks among all New Mexico cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Jal's water comes from
Jal'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 5,500 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Jal
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| JAL WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM | NM3521713 | 5,500 | GW |
How Jal compares
Full New Mexico rankings →Jal's score of 65/100 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 Jal, NM
Wikipedia →Jal is a small city located in Lea County, New Mexico, United States. It is New Mexico's south-easternmost city, and shares a border with Texas to the east and south. The population was estimated to be 2,069 in 2023. Jal is historically important in the natural gas industry, from the early 1900s to the present day.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Jal's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Lea
Frequently asked questions
Is Jal, NM tap water safe to drink?
Jal's water quality earned a grade of C+ (65/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #63 out of 163 cities tested in New Mexico.
What contaminants are in Jal's water?
Lead was measured at 0.8 ppb (90th percentile). 67 violations are on record.
How is Jal'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 Jal?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Jal's water come from?
Jal's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 5,500 residents.
What health violations has Jal's water system had?
Jal has 17 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 35 violations remain unresolved.
Is Jal's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Jal 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 67 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 Jal's water compare to other cities?
Jal ranks #63 out of 163 cities in New Mexico (better than 61% of state cities) and #11586 out of 15744 cities nationally (26th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.