Is Lordsburg, NM Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 222 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
45/100
waterverge.com Lordsburg, NM — Water Quality Report
Lordsburg's drinking water received a grade of D (45 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 3,526 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.7 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 511 violations on record, including 260 health-based violations. 222 remain unresolved.
What to know about Lordsburg's water
Lordsburg ranks #103 out of 163 cities in New Mexico for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Lordsburg 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 64 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Lordsburg, NM water safe to drink?
Lordsburg's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (45/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 3,526 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Lordsburg
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Lordsburg's water quality assessment. Grade: D (45/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Fluoride.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Fluoride, Consumer Confidence Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Public Notice, Fluoride.
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 Lordsburg's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Lordsburg's water system has 511 total violations on record, including 260 health-based violations. 222 remain unresolved. 64 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Hidalgo 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 Lordsburg's water come from?
Lordsburg's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 3,526 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Lordsburg residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Lordsburg'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.
Lordsburg'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 Lordsburg
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Lordsburg, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
US CBP LORDSBURG BORDER PATROL STATION #NM0153 LORDSBURG, NM88045 | — | — | 2.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtHidalgo 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
Hidalgo 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.
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. | 0.7 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Lordsburg compares by contaminant
Explore where Lordsburg ranks among all New Mexico cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Lordsburg's water comes from
Lordsburg'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 3,526 people through 3 water systems.
Water systems serving Lordsburg
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LORDSBURG WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM | NM3522812 | 3,213 | GW |
| GLEN ACRES WATER COOP | NM3556212 | 180 | GWP |
| VIRDEN WATER SYSTEM | NM3500112 | 133 | GW |
How Lordsburg compares
Full New Mexico rankings →Lordsburg's score of 45/100 is on par with the average of 44/100 among major New Mexico cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View New Mexico rankings →About Lordsburg, NM
Wikipedia →Lordsburg is a city in and the county seat of Hidalgo County, New Mexico, United States. Hidalgo County includes the southern "bootheel" of New Mexico, along the Arizona border. The population was 2,335 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Lordsburg's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Hidalgo
Frequently asked questions
Is Lordsburg, NM tap water safe to drink?
Lordsburg's water quality earned a grade of D (45/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #103 out of 163 cities tested in New Mexico.
What contaminants are in Lordsburg's water?
Lead was measured at 0.7 ppb (90th percentile). 511 violations are on record.
How is Lordsburg'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 Lordsburg?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Lordsburg's water come from?
Lordsburg's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 3,526 residents.
What health violations has Lordsburg's water system had?
Lordsburg has 260 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. 222 violations remain unresolved.
Is Lordsburg's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Lordsburg 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 511 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 Lordsburg's water compare to other cities?
Lordsburg ranks #103 out of 163 cities in New Mexico (better than 37% of state cities) and #14255 out of 15744 cities nationally (10th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.