Is Malaga, NM Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C, with 20 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
62.1/100
waterverge.com Malaga, NM — Water Quality Report
Malaga's drinking water received a grade of C (62.1 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 868 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 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 41 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 20 remain unresolved.
What to know about Malaga's water
Malaga ranks #67 out of 163 cities in New Mexico for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Malaga 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.
As a small community water system, Malaga may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 17 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Malaga, NM water safe to drink?
Malaga's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C (62.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 868 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Malaga
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Malaga's water quality assessment. Grade: C (62.1/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4152). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3229). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Malaga's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Malaga's water system has 41 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 20 remain unresolved. 17 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Eddy County has experienced 3 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. Local water sources include Black River, Black River Above Malaga, Pecos River.
Where does Malaga's water come from?
Malaga's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 868 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Black River (river), Black River Above Malaga (river), Pecos River (river).
What Malaga residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Malaga'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.
Malaga'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 Malaga
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Malaga, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
SENERGY PETROLEUM - CARLSBAD BULK PLANT CARLSBAD, NM88220 | — | — | 7.8 mi |
BLACK RIVER PROCESSING PLANT LOVING, NM88256 | — | — | 4.9 mi |
COASTAL CHEMICAL CO. LLC- LOVING LOVING, NM88256 | — | — | 5.6 mi |
ROADRUNNER GAS PLANT LOVING, NM88256 | — | — | 3.7 mi |
SENDERO CARLSBAD PLANT LOVING, NM88256 | — | — | 4.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtEddy 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
Eddy County has experienced 3 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. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Malaga compares by contaminant
Explore where Malaga ranks among all New Mexico cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Malaga's water comes from
Malaga'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 868 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Malaga
Malaga is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Malaga
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MALAGA MDWC SWA | NM3521208 | 868 | GW |
How Malaga compares
Full New Mexico rankings →Malaga's score of 62.1/100 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 Malaga, NM
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Malaga's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Eddy
Frequently asked questions
Is Malaga, NM tap water safe to drink?
Malaga's water quality earned a grade of C (62.1/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #67 out of 163 cities tested in New Mexico.
What contaminants are in Malaga's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 41 violations are on record.
How is Malaga'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 Malaga?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Malaga's water come from?
Malaga's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 868 residents.
What health violations has Malaga's water system had?
Malaga has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 20 violations remain unresolved.
Is Malaga's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Malaga 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 41 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 Malaga's water compare to other cities?
Malaga ranks #67 out of 163 cities in New Mexico (better than 59% of state cities) and #11922 out of 15744 cities nationally (24th percentile). The grade of C reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Malaga's small water system affect quality?
Malaga's system serves approximately 868 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 41 violations on record.