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WaterSafeCheck
Official EPA SDWIS Verified ReportWater Quality & Testing GuideStatus: Normal Operations

ZIP Code 87187 Water Quality & Testing Report

Albuquerque, NM · Bernalillo County County · Updated for 2026

Quick EPA Verified Answer

Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in ZIP 87187 (Albuquerque, NM)?

Caution / Filtration Recommended: Tap water in ZIP code 87187 (Albuquerque, NM) has compliance concerns, earning an EPA Safety Grade of F (33/100) due to 13 health violation(s) and 2.0 ppb lead. While treated by Albuquerque Water System, residents are advised to use an NSF/ANSI 53 certified water filter for drinking and cooking.

Safety Score
F

Water Safety Grade

Failing — Serious compliance issues

Health Violations

13

Total Violations

220

Lead Risk

N/A

Contaminants

3

About Tap Water in ZIP Code 87187

Tap water in ZIP code 87187 (Albuquerque, NM) is distributed by Albuquerque Water System (EPA ID: NM3510701), serving approximately 560,326 residents. Based on EPA Safe Drinking Water Act compliance records, this system receives a water safety grade of F with a composite quality score of 33/100.

Water System

Albuquerque Water System

EPA ID: NM3510701

Water Source

Surface Water

Population Served

560,326 residents

County

Bernalillo County County, New Mexico

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Lead Levels in ZIP 87187

EPA action level: 15 ppb | Public health goal: 0 ppb

Lead Level: 2.0 ppb — Very Low

The 90th percentile lead level in 87187 is 2.0 ppb. This meets the EPA action level of 15 ppb. Health experts recommend a target of 0 ppb for optimal safety.
Lead Level (90th percentile)
2.00 ppb (0.002 mg/L)
Lead (Consumer Confidence Report)

From annual CCR filing

1.3 ppb
Copper (Consumer Confidence Report)

From annual CCR filing

0.3 ppb
Lead Exposure Risk Rating
Unknown
Note: Lead levels above are the 90th percentile from EPA monitoring — meaning 90% of samples were at or below this level. Even "undetected" tap water lead doesn't account for lead leaching from home plumbing. If your home was built before 1986, individual tap testing is recommended.
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Water Hardness & Mineral Content

Grains per gallon (GPG) & Parts per million (PPM / mg/L)

Classification: Very Hard11.1 GPG · 190 mg/L

Water in ZIP 87187 is Very Hard (190 mg/L / 11.1 GPG). High concentrations of dissolved limestone minerals cause severe mineral buildup, stiff laundry, dry skin, and premature water heater wear.

Recommendation: A whole-home water softener system is strongly recommended to protect plumbing and home appliances.
Hardness (GPG)

Grains per gallon

11.1 GPG
Hardness (PPM / mg/L)

Parts per million CaCO3

190 mg/L
Appliance Scaling Risk
High / Severe

Official EPA SDWIS Database Entry

Utility: Albuquerque Water System · PWSID: NM3510701

Verify on EPA.gov
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Violation History

Past 5 years — EPA SDWIS data

Albuquerque Water System has recorded 13 health-based violations out of 220 total violations over the past 5 years. 176 violations remain unresolved in EPA tracking records.

Total Violations (5 yr)
220
Health-Based Violations
13
Unresolved Violations
176
Boil Water Advisories
0
Compliance Risk
Critical

Regulatory compliance risk for this utility is rated Critical based on past reporting and enforcement records.

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Contaminants Detected

Contaminants with health-based violations on record

EPA records identify 3 contaminants with health-based violations in the past 5 years: Barium, Stage 2 DBP Rule, Contaminant 0700.

BariumStage 2 DBP RuleContaminant 0700

⚖ Enforcement Actions

EPA or state regulators have issued 10 enforcement actions to address compliance lapses.
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Water Source & Environmental Factors

Surface Water

This system draws water from lakes, rivers, or reservoirs. Surface water is treated to remove sediment, microorganisms, and chemical contaminants before reaching taps.

Water Source Type
Surface Water
CCR Source Classification
Surface water (San Juan-Chama Project) and groundwater wells combined
EPA Radon Zone

Highest potential

Zone 1

EPA Radon Zone 1 — highest potential for radon in indoor air. Homeowners should test their home for radon and consider mitigation if levels exceed 4 pCi/L.

Water Quality Testing in ZIP 87187

Tap Water & Well Testing Recommendations

Residents in ZIP code 87187 served by Albuquerque Water System can test tap water or private well systems to verify water purity. Testing detects hidden contaminants before they impact family health.

Tap Water Testing Steps

  • 1.Conduct a certified lead check if your home was constructed before 1986.
  • 2.Use certified lab testing kits rather than uncalibrated test strips for regulated compliance.
  • 3.Sample water from both your kitchen faucet and water heater to compare line purity.

Private Well Testing Steps

  • •Test for Coliform bacteria and Nitrates annually.
  • •Test for heavy metals, radon, and PFAS every 3 years.
  • •Send samples to a state-certified drinking water laboratory recognized by New Mexico Environment Department.
Certified Lab Testing: Always use an EPA-certified drinking water laboratory in NM for formal legal or real estate compliance testing.

🛡 What Should You Do? — ZIP 87187 Recommendations

  • 🚨 Install a certified NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 (reverse osmosis) filter immediately for drinking and cooking
  • 🚨 Do not give unfiltered water to children, pregnant women, or immunocompromised individuals
  • 🚨 Contact Albuquerque Water System to request the current violation status and corrective action plan
  • 🚨 Report concerns to your state environmental agency or call the EPA hotline: 1-800-426-4791
  • 🚨 Consider having your home's tap water independently tested by a certified lab

Recommended Water Treatment Systems:

REQUIRED FOR SAFETY
🏺

NSF 53 Lead Pitcher Filter

Certified to remove lead. Recommended for immediate protection.

Lead Filter Guide →
STRONGLY RECOMMENDED
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NSF 58 Under-Sink RO System

Reverse Osmosis system certified to remove PFAS, heavy metals, and viruses.

RO System Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions — ZIP 87187 Water Quality

Is tap water safe to drink in ZIP code 87187?+
Tap water in 87187 has a below-average safety grade of F due to compliance issues. We recommend using a certified water filter for drinking and cooking.
How do I get my water tested in ZIP 87187 (Albuquerque, NM)?+
To test water quality in ZIP 87187, you can order a certified drinking water test kit or send water samples to an EPA/NELAP certified laboratory in NM. Certified testing checks for lead, coliform bacteria, nitrates, hardness, and PFAS that standard test strips miss. Contact New Mexico Environment Department for a list of certified regional labs.
How hard is the tap water in 87187?+
Tap water in 87187 is classified as Very Hard with an estimated mineral hardness of 190 mg/L (11.1 GPG). A whole-home water softener system is strongly recommended to protect plumbing and home appliances.
Should I test private well water in 87187?+
Yes. Unlike municipal systems, private wells in 87187 are not regulated by the EPA or local utilities. Private well owners should test their water annually for coliform bacteria and nitrates, and every 3 to 5 years for heavy metals (lead, arsenic) and volatile organic compounds.
What is the lead level in 87187 tap water?+
The 90th percentile lead level in 87187 is 2.0 ppb. The EPA action level is 15 ppb. This is below the EPA action level.
Is there an active boil water notice in 87187?+
There are currently no active boil water advisories on record for 87187. Water treatment systems are operating within normal parameters.
Who provides tap water to 87187?+
Tap water in ZIP code 87187 is provided by Albuquerque Water System (EPA ID: NM3510701), serving approximately 560,326 residents.
What water filter should I use in 87187?+
Based on water metrics for 87187, we recommend Reverse Osmosis (PFAS & Lead). Look for certifications such as NSF/ANSI 53 (Chemical Contaminants), NSF/ANSI 42 (Aesthetic Effects).

Data Sources & Methodology

Water quality data for ZIP code 87187 is compiled from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), EPA ECHO enforcement database, UCMR5 unregulated contaminant monitoring, and Consumer Confidence Reports filed by Albuquerque Water System. Safety scores are composite metrics derived from violation history, lead levels, enforcement actions, and infrastructure risk indicators. Data reflects a 5-year monitoring window. Last dataset update: 2024. View EPA source data →