Is La Luz, NM Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 26 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
71.6/100
waterverge.com La Luz, NM — Water Quality Report
La Luz's drinking water received a grade of B- (71.6 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,044 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.2 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 13 health-based violations. 26 remain unresolved.
What to know about La Luz's water
La Luz ranks #47 out of 163 cities in New Mexico for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
As a small community water system, La Luz may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is La Luz, NM water safe to drink?
La Luz's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (71.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,044 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for La Luz
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into La Luz's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (71.6/100).
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.
2 health-based. Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for La Luz's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
La Luz's water system has 67 total violations on record, including 13 health-based violations. 26 remain unresolved. 5 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 La Luz's water come from?
La Luz's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 2,044 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What La Luz residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in La Luz'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.
La Luz'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. | 1.2 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how La Luz compares by contaminant
Explore where La Luz ranks among all New Mexico cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where La Luz's water comes from
La Luz's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 2,044 people through 3 water systems.
Water systems serving La Luz
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LA LUZ MDWCA | NM3513719 | 1,917 | SW |
| LABORCITA WATER USERS ASSOCIATION | NM3562919 | 70 | GW |
| ROLLING HILLS WUA | NM3564219 | 57 | GW |
How La Luz compares
Full New Mexico rankings →La Luz's score of 71.6/100 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 La Luz, NM
Wikipedia →La Luz is a census-designated place (CDP) in Otero County, New Mexico, United States. The population was 1,615 at the 2000 census. It is located immediately north of Alamogordo and lies in the eastern edge of the Tularosa Basin and on the western flank of the Sacramento Mountains. Until 1848, La Luz was a part of Mexico. The CDP gets its name from the Spanish word for "light".
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to La Luz's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Otero
Frequently asked questions
Is La Luz, NM tap water safe to drink?
La Luz's water quality earned a grade of B- (71.6/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #47 out of 163 cities tested in New Mexico.
What contaminants are in La Luz's water?
Lead was measured at 1.2 ppb (90th percentile). 67 violations are on record.
How is La Luz'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 La Luz?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does La Luz's water come from?
La Luz's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 2,044 residents.
What health violations has La Luz's water system had?
La Luz has 13 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 26 violations remain unresolved.
How does La Luz's water compare to other cities?
La Luz ranks #47 out of 163 cities in New Mexico (better than 71% of state cities) and #10513 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.