Is Ruidoso Downs, NM Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
89.9/100
waterverge.com Ruidoso Downs, NM — Water Quality Report
Ruidoso Downs's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,146 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.5 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 37 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Ruidoso Downs's water
Ruidoso Downs ranks #6 out of 163 cities in New Mexico for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Ruidoso Downs 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, Ruidoso Downs may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Ruidoso Downs, NM water safe to drink?
Ruidoso Downs's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (89.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,146 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Ruidoso Downs
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Ruidoso Downs's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.9/100).
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: Chlorine.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Ruidoso Downs's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Ruidoso Downs's water system has 37 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Lincoln County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1965. 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 Rio Ruidoso, South Fork Cedar Creek, Cedar Creek Above Ruidoso, Gavilan Canyon, North Fork Eagle Creek.
Where does Ruidoso Downs's water come from?
Ruidoso Downs's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,146 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Rio Ruidoso (river), South Fork Cedar Creek (river), Cedar Creek Above Ruidoso (river), Gavilan Canyon (river), North Fork Eagle Creek (river).
What Ruidoso Downs residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Ruidoso Downs'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.
Ruidoso Downs'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 droughtLincoln 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
Lincoln County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1965. 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. | 1.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Ruidoso Downs compares by contaminant
Explore where Ruidoso Downs ranks among all New Mexico cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Ruidoso Downs's water comes from
Ruidoso Downs'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 2,146 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Ruidoso Downs
Ruidoso Downs is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Ruidoso Downs
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| RUIDOSO DOWNS WATER SYSTEM | NM3513214 | 2,146 | GW |
How Ruidoso Downs compares
Full New Mexico rankings →Ruidoso Downs's score of 89.9/100 is above the average of 44/100 among major New Mexico cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View New Mexico rankings →About Ruidoso Downs, NM
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Ruidoso Downs's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Lincoln
Frequently asked questions
Is Ruidoso Downs, NM tap water safe to drink?
Ruidoso Downs's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #6 out of 163 cities tested in New Mexico.
What contaminants are in Ruidoso Downs's water?
Lead was measured at 1.5 ppb (90th percentile). 37 violations are on record.
How is Ruidoso Downs'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 Ruidoso Downs?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Ruidoso Downs's water come from?
Ruidoso Downs's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,146 residents.
What health violations has Ruidoso Downs's water system had?
Ruidoso Downs has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in May 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 5 violations remain unresolved.
Is Ruidoso Downs's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Ruidoso Downs 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 37 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 Ruidoso Downs's water compare to other cities?
Ruidoso Downs ranks #6 out of 163 cities in New Mexico (better than 96% of state cities) and #2505 out of 15744 cities nationally (84th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Ruidoso Downs's small water system affect quality?
Ruidoso Downs's system serves approximately 2,146 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 37 violations on record.