Albuquerque
NM

Is Albuquerque, NM Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Albuquerque tap water meets federal Safe Drinking Water Act standards but 15 of 16 ZIP codes show detections above EPA health guidelines, primarily for lithium. A certified filter is recommended for households that want an additional layer of protection.

4Water systems
16ZIP codes
93.8%ZIPs above EPA guideline
Metro areaAlbuquerque, NM
Latest data2025-08-25

Where Does Albuquerque Get Its Water?

Water in Albuquerque, NM is provided by 4 public water systems: ALBUQUERQUE WATER SYSTEM, KOHALA RANCH WATER CO., SANDIA PEAK UTILITY and UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO.

How Is Albuquerque Tap Water Treated?

Treated water is disinfected using free chlorine and chloramines and ozone. Treatment includes conventional treatment (coagulation, flocculation, and filtration), groundwater disinfection and membrane filtration.

What's in Albuquerque Tap Water?

The following contaminants were detected most frequently in Albuquerque public water systems. 15 of 16 ZIP codes showed detections above EPA health guidelines.

ContaminantPeak detectedEPA guidelineZIPs detectedStatus
lithium 70.1 µg/L 10 µg/L 15 ZIPs Above guideline
PFTrDA 0.007 µg/L 0 ZIPs Within guideline
11Cl-PF3OUdS 0.005 µg/L 0.005 µg/L 1 ZIP Within guideline
11Cl-PF3OUdS 0.005 µg/L 0 ZIPs Within guideline
HFPO-DA 0.005 µg/L 0 ZIPs Within guideline

Health Risk Profile for Albuquerque

Based on EPA monitoring data, 15 of 16 ZIP codes in Albuquerque have recorded detections above EPA health guidelines. Sensitive populations such as infants, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems may benefit from an additional layer of protection such as a certified point-of-use filter.

Best Broad-Spectrum Filters for This Water Profile

This city profile includes PFAS detections, chlorine disinfection, and other dissolved contaminants. Reverse osmosis (RO) systems certified under NSF/ANSI 58 provide broad reduction coverage; for PFAS specifically, confirm NSF/ANSI P473 or equivalent PFAS reduction certification.

Under-sink RO system

8-stage tankless RO system certified to NSF/ANSI 58, reduces 1,000+ contaminants including PFAS, lead, arsenic, fluoride, and nitrates.

See recommendations matched to your exact address: choose your ZIP code below.

Frequently Asked Questions about Albuquerque Tap Water

Is Albuquerque tap water safe to drink?

Albuquerque tap water meets Safe Drinking Water Act requirements but 15 of 16 ZIP codes show contaminant levels above EPA health-based guidelines. A certified point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.

What contaminants are in Albuquerque tap water?

The most commonly detected contaminants in Albuquerque water systems include: lithium, PFTrDA, 11Cl-PF3OUdS. See the ZIP-level reports for exact measurements and EPA guideline comparisons.

Where does Albuquerque get its drinking water?

Albuquerque receives water from 4 public water systems, including ALBUQUERQUE WATER SYSTEM.

Do I need a water filter in Albuquerque?

If your ZIP code is among those with detections above EPA health guidelines, choose a filter certified for the specific contaminants shown in your ZIP report. Reverse osmosis is generally the broadest option for PFAS, lithium, and many other dissolved contaminants.

How often is Albuquerque tap water tested?

Public water systems in Albuquerque are required by the EPA to test for regulated contaminants on schedules ranging from daily (for microbials and disinfectants) to annual or triennial (for many chemical contaminants). Results are published in annual Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs). The data on this page reflects the most recent available EPA monitoring results, with the latest sample date of 2025-08-25.

Tap water reports by ZIP in Albuquerque

Water utilities serving Albuquerque, NM

Service area boundaries are approximate and based on state filings or modeled estimates. Contact your utility to confirm exact service at a specific address.

Modeled boundaries are shown with a dashed outline.

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