Is Las Cruces, NM Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F — but Strontium, 1,4-Dioxane and 2 more were detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
40.1/100
waterverge.com Las Cruces, NM — Water Quality Report
Las Cruces's drinking water received a grade of F (40.1 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 19 water systems serve approximately 134,452 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. UCMR 5 testing detected 1 PFAS compound in the water supply.
The system has 861 violations on record, including 222 health-based violations. 245 remain unresolved.
What to know about Las Cruces's water
Las Cruces ranks #151 out of 163 cities in New Mexico for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Las Cruces 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.
PFAS compounds were detected in testing, though levels remain within current EPA limits. Residents seeking extra precaution may consider an activated carbon or reverse osmosis filter.
Hexavalent chromium (chromium-6) was detected at 8.40 µg/L in UCMR 3 testing. While below California's 10 µg/L limit and with no federal MCL set, residents sensitive to this contaminant may consider reverse osmosis filtration.
The system has seen 93 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Las Cruces, NM water safe to drink?
Las Cruces's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (40.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 19 water systems serve approximately 134,452 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Las Cruces
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Detected at levels within current EPA limits. PFAS persist indefinitely in the environment.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Las Cruces's water quality assessment. Grade: F (40.1/100).
Contaminants: E. COLI.
2 health-based. Contaminants: Vinyl chloride, Consumer Confidence Rule, Nitrate.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Las Cruces's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Detected but within current EPA limits. PFAS do not break down in the environment and can accumulate in the body over time. An activated carbon filter can reduce exposure.
The "Erin Brockovich" chemical. There is no federal MCL, but California has set a limit of 10 µg/L. Reverse osmosis filtration is effective at removing hexavalent chromium.
Violation history
Las Cruces's water system has 861 total violations on record, including 222 health-based violations. 245 remain unresolved. 93 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Las Cruces's water come from?
Las Cruces's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 19 water systems serving approximately 134,452 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Las Cruces residents can do
Recommended: Activated carbon or reverse osmosis filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Las Cruces'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 ↓Forever chemicals overview
National PFAS report →Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Las Cruces
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Las Cruces, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
SAPUTO CHEESE USA INC. LAS CRUCES, NM88007 | — | — | 8.7 mi |
GCC SUN CITY MATERIALS LLC - WESTGATE LAS CRUCES, NM88005 | — | — | 2.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Las Cruces
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 PLUME1.9 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Las Cruces'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. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| 11Cl-PF3OUdS | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| 4:2 FTS | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| 6:2 FTS 6:2 FTSPFAS A fluorotelomer sulfonate commonly found at sites contaminated with aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) used in firefighting. Health EffectsPotential liver toxicity and endocrine disruption. Less studied but identified as a contaminant of concern. EPA LimitNo individual MCL (not yet regulated) Common SourcesFirefighting foam (AFFF), airports, military bases, and industrial facilities. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| 8:2 FTS | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| 9Cl-PF3ONS | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| ADONA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| HFPO-DA HFPO-DA (GenX)PFAS A replacement for PFOA in manufacturing, marketed as safer but still a persistent "forever chemical." Also known as GenX. Health EffectsLiver and kidney effects, reproductive toxicity, immune system effects, and potential cancer risk. EPA Limit10 ppt MCL Common SourcesFluoropolymer manufacturing (used as PFOA replacement), industrial wastewater discharge. | ND | 0.01 | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| lithium LithiumInorganic A naturally occurring alkali metal found in groundwater. Monitored under UCMR 5 to assess occurrence in drinking water. Health EffectsKidney effects at high doses. Low-level exposure effects under study; some research suggests neurological effects. EPA LimitNo MCL (monitoring only under UCMR 5) Common SourcesNatural mineral deposits, geothermal water, and industrial discharge. | 171.000 | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Detected |
| NEtFOSAA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| NFDHA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| NMeFOSAA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFBA PFBAPFAS One of the shortest-chain PFAS compounds. Very mobile in water and difficult to remove with standard filtration. Health EffectsThyroid effects, potential developmental toxicity. Shorter half-life in body than long-chain PFAS. EPA LimitNo individual MCL (not yet regulated) Common SourcesDegradation of longer-chain PFAS, industrial discharge, and firefighting foam. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFBS PFBSPFAS A short-chain PFAS used as a replacement for PFOS. While it clears the body faster than long-chain PFAS, it still persists in the environment. Health EffectsThyroid effects, reproductive and developmental toxicity, kidney effects. EPA LimitPart of Hazard Index (1.0) Common SourcesIndustrial discharge, firefighting foam, and as a replacement chemical in manufacturing. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFDA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFDoA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFEESA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFHpA PFHpAPFAS A medium-chain PFAS compound found in various environmental samples. Less studied than PFOA/PFOS but still considered a contaminant of concern. Health EffectsLiver effects, potential developmental toxicity, and endocrine disruption. EPA LimitPart of Hazard Index (1.0) Common SourcesDegradation of longer-chain PFAS, industrial discharge, and contaminated water sources. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFHpS | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFHxA PFHxAPFAS A short-chain PFAS replacement chemical widely used after manufacturers phased out longer-chain PFAS. Very commonly detected in water. Health EffectsLiver and kidney effects, potential thyroid disruption. Considered less toxic than long-chain PFAS but still persistent. EPA LimitNo individual MCL (not yet regulated) Common SourcesIndustrial processes, firefighting foam (AFFF), food packaging, and textile treatment. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFHxS PFHxSPFAS A medium-chain PFAS found in firefighting foam and consumer products. It has a long half-life in the human body, similar to long-chain PFAS. Health EffectsImmune system effects, thyroid disruption, and potential reproductive and developmental harm. EPA LimitPart of Hazard Index (1.0) Common SourcesFirefighting foam (AFFF), waterproof textiles, food packaging, and industrial discharge. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFMBA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFMPA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFNA PFNAPFAS A long-chain PFAS compound used in manufacturing fluoropolymers. It bioaccumulates in the body and is very persistent in the environment. Health EffectsDevelopmental effects, liver toxicity, immune suppression, and potential cancer risk. EPA LimitPart of Hazard Index (1.0) Common SourcesFluoropolymer manufacturing, industrial emissions, and contaminated water sources. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFOA PFOAPFAS A long-chain PFAS ("forever chemical") once widely used in nonstick coatings and firefighting foam. It persists in the body and environment for years. Health EffectsLinked to kidney and testicular cancer, thyroid disease, elevated cholesterol, and reproductive issues. EPA Limit4.0 ppt MCL Common SourcesIndustrial discharge, firefighting foam (AFFF), nonstick cookware manufacturing, and contaminated groundwater. | ND | 0.004 | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFOS PFOSPFAS A long-chain PFAS compound historically used in stain-resistant coatings and firefighting foam. One of the most studied and persistent PFAS chemicals. Health EffectsLiver damage, immune system suppression, thyroid disruption, increased cholesterol, and potential cancer risk. EPA Limit4.0 ppt MCL Common SourcesFirefighting foam (AFFF), industrial sites, stain-resistant fabric treatments, and contaminated groundwater. | ND | 0.004 | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFPeA PFPeAPFAS A short-chain PFAS compound commonly detected in drinking water. One of the most frequently found PFAS in UCMR 5 monitoring. Health EffectsLess studied than PFOA/PFOS. Potential liver and thyroid effects. Research is ongoing. EPA LimitNo individual MCL (not yet regulated) Common SourcesIndustrial discharge, firefighting foam degradation, and consumer products. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFPeS | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFTA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFTrDA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFUnA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Las Cruces compares by contaminant
Explore where Las Cruces ranks among all New Mexico cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Las Cruces's water comes from
Las Cruces'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 134,452 people through 19 water systems.
Water systems serving Las Cruces
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LAS CRUCES MUNICIPAL WATER SYSTEM | NM3511707 | 98,175 | GW |
| NEW MEXICO STATE UNIVERSITY | NM3528707 | 24,000 | GW |
| UNIVERSITY ESTATES WATER SYSTEM (LCU) | NM3512407 | 4,526 | GW |
| HACIENDA ACRES WATER SYSTEM (LCU) | NM3511507 | 3,042 | GW |
| LAS ALTURAS ESTATES (LCU) | NM3529107 | 936 | GW |
| SAN ANDRES ESTATES WATER SYSTEM (LCU) | NM3531207 | 747 | GW |
| VILLA DEL SOL MOBILE HOME PARK | NM3539607 | 551 | GW |
| SAN PABLO MDWCA | NM3500607 | 548 | GWP |
| ST JOHNS MHP | NM3540007 | 445 | GW |
| ALAMEDA ACRES MHP | NM3539307 | 291 | GW |
| COUNTRY MOBILE MANOR | NM3554107 | 205 | GW |
| TALAVERA MDWCA | NM3577407 | 166 | GW |
| LAS CRUCES MOBILE HOME PARK | NM3539807 | 163 | GW |
| WINTERHAVEN MDWC AND SWA | NM3555407 | 147 | GW |
| VISTA REAL MHP | NM3541707 | 124 | GW |
| GREENWOOD TERRACE M H SUBDIVISION | TX1650048 | 120 | GW |
| COVERED WAGON MOBILE HOME MANOR | NM3540307 | 100 | GW |
| CERCADO COURTS | NM3510207 | 99 | GW |
| MADRID MHP | NM3513307 | 67 | GW |
How Las Cruces compares
Full New Mexico rankings →Las Cruces's score of 40.1/100 is on par with the average of 45/100 among major New Mexico cities. It outscores 3 of 10 nearby cities. 7 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View New Mexico rankings →About Las Cruces, 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 Las Cruces's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Dona Ana
Frequently asked questions
Is Las Cruces, NM tap water safe to drink?
Las Cruces's water quality earned a grade of F (40.1/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #151 out of 163 cities tested in New Mexico.
What contaminants are in Las Cruces's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 1 PFAS compound was detected. 861 violations are on record.
How is Las Cruces'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 Las Cruces?
PFAS compounds have been detected. A filter with activated carbon can help reduce exposure.
Where does Las Cruces's water come from?
Las Cruces's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 19 water systems serving approximately 134,452 residents.
What health violations has Las Cruces's water system had?
Las Cruces has 222 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. 245 violations remain unresolved.
Is Las Cruces's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Las Cruces 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 861 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 Las Cruces's water compare to other cities?
Las Cruces ranks #151 out of 163 cities in New Mexico (better than 7% of state cities) and #15171 out of 15744 cities nationally (4th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.