Is Mesilla, NM Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+, with 23 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
68.6/100
waterverge.com Mesilla, NM — Water Quality Report
Mesilla's drinking water received a grade of C+ (68.6 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,167 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.9 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 47 violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 23 remain unresolved.
What to know about Mesilla's water
Mesilla ranks #56 out of 163 cities in New Mexico for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Mesilla 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, Mesilla may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Mesilla, NM water safe to drink?
Mesilla's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (68.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,167 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Mesilla
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Mesilla's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (68.6/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Mesilla's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Mesilla's water system has 47 total violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 23 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Mesilla's water come from?
Mesilla's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,167 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Mesilla residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Mesilla'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 Mesilla
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Mesilla, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
SAPUTO CHEESE USA INC. LAS CRUCES, NM88007 | — | — | 6.5 mi |
GCC SUN CITY MATERIALS LLC - WESTGATE LAS CRUCES, NM88005 | — | — | 2.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Mesilla
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 PLUME4.3 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
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. | 2.9 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Mesilla compares by contaminant
Explore where Mesilla ranks among all New Mexico cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Mesilla's water comes from
Mesilla'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 2,167 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Mesilla
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MESILLA WATER SYSTEM | NM3560007 | 2,167 | GW |
How Mesilla compares
Full New Mexico rankings →Mesilla's score of 68.6/100 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 Mesilla, NM
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Mesilla's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Dona Ana
Frequently asked questions
Is Mesilla, NM tap water safe to drink?
Mesilla's water quality earned a grade of C+ (68.6/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #56 out of 163 cities tested in New Mexico.
What contaminants are in Mesilla's water?
Lead was measured at 2.9 ppb (90th percentile). 47 violations are on record.
How is Mesilla'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 Mesilla?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Mesilla's water come from?
Mesilla's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,167 residents.
What health violations has Mesilla's water system had?
Mesilla has 7 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 23 violations remain unresolved.
Is Mesilla's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Mesilla 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 47 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 Mesilla's water compare to other cities?
Mesilla ranks #56 out of 163 cities in New Mexico (better than 66% of state cities) and #11051 out of 15744 cities nationally (30th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Mesilla's small water system affect quality?
Mesilla's system serves approximately 2,167 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 47 violations on record.