Skip to main content
WaterSafeCheck
Official EPA SDWIS Verified ReportWater Quality & Testing GuideStatus: Normal Operations

ZIP Code 88416 Water Quality & Testing Report

Conchas Dam, NM · San Miguel County County · Updated for 2026

Quick EPA Verified Answer

Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in ZIP 88416 (Conchas Dam, NM)?

Caution / Filtration Recommended: Tap water in ZIP code 88416 (Conchas Dam, NM) has compliance concerns, earning an EPA Safety Grade of C (69/100) due to 1 health violation(s) and 0.4 ppb lead. While treated by Big Mesa Water Mdwca, residents are advised to use an NSF/ANSI 53 certified water filter for drinking and cooking.

Safety Score
C

Water Safety Grade

Fair — Some compliance concerns

Health Violations

1

Total Violations

3

Lead Risk

Moderate

Contaminants

1

About Tap Water in ZIP Code 88416

Tap water in ZIP code 88416 (Conchas Dam, NM) is distributed by Big Mesa Water Mdwca (EPA ID: NM3573725), serving approximately 250 residents. Based on EPA Safe Drinking Water Act compliance records, this system receives a water safety grade of C with a composite quality score of 69/100.

Water System

Big Mesa Water Mdwca

EPA ID: NM3573725

Water Source

Surface Water

Population Served

250 residents

County

San Miguel County County, New Mexico

🧪

Lead Levels in ZIP 88416

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

Lead Level: 0.4 ppb — Very Low

The 90th percentile lead level in 88416 is 0.4 ppb. This meets the EPA action level of 15 ppb. Health experts recommend a target of 0 ppb for optimal safety.

Lead exposure risk in 88416 is rated Moderate. EPA models estimate a 37% exposure probability based on housing and infrastructure age.

Lead Level (90th percentile)
0.40 ppb (0.0004 mg/L)
Lead Exposure Risk Rating
Moderate
Lead Exposure Probability

EPA model estimate based on housing age and infrastructure

37%
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.
🪨

Water Hardness & Mineral Content

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

Classification: Very Hard11.1 GPG · 189 mg/L

Water in ZIP 88416 is Very Hard (189 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

189 mg/L
Appliance Scaling Risk
High / Severe

Official EPA SDWIS Database Entry

Utility: Big Mesa Water Mdwca · PWSID: NM3573725

Verify on EPA.gov
📋

Violation History

Past 5 years — EPA SDWIS data

Big Mesa Water Mdwca has recorded 1 health-based violation out of 3 total violations over the past 5 years.

Total Violations (5 yr)
3
Health-Based Violations
1
Unresolved Violations
0
Boil Water Advisories
0
Compliance Risk
Critical

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

⚗️

Contaminants Detected

Contaminants with health-based violations on record

EPA records identify 1 contaminant with health-based violations in the past 5 years: Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).

Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)

⚖ Enforcement Actions

EPA or state regulators have issued 10 enforcement actions to address compliance lapses.
🌊

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
EPA Radon Zone

Highest potential

Zone 1
Annual Flood Risk Cost

Estimated annual flood-related costs per property

$0

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 88416

Tap Water & Well Testing Recommendations

Residents in ZIP code 88416 served by Big Mesa Water Mdwca 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 88416 Recommendations

  • ⚠ Use a certified NSF/ANSI 53 filter for drinking and cooking water if you have young children
  • ⚠ Never give unfiltered tap water to infants in formula — use certified bottled or filtered water
  • ⚠ Request a copy of the Consumer Confidence Report to see what was detected and when
  • ⚠ Call the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline: 1-800-426-4791

Recommended Water Treatment Systems:

🏺

NSF 53 Lead Pitcher Filter

Specifically certified to reduce lead and copper at the tap.

Lead Filter Guide →
⚗️

NSF 58 Under-Sink RO System

Advanced filtration for PFAS, fluoride, nitrates, and organic chemicals.

RO System Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions — ZIP 88416 Water Quality

Is tap water safe to drink in ZIP code 88416?+
Tap water in 88416 (Conchas Dam, NM) meets major standards but has a grade of C due to minor past violations. Vulnerable populations may want to use a certified filter as a precaution.
How do I get my water tested in ZIP 88416 (Conchas Dam, NM)?+
To test water quality in ZIP 88416, 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 88416?+
Tap water in 88416 is classified as Very Hard with an estimated mineral hardness of 189 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 88416?+
Yes. Unlike municipal systems, private wells in 88416 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 88416 tap water?+
The 90th percentile lead level in 88416 is 0.4 ppb. The EPA action level is 15 ppb. This is below the EPA action level.
Is there an active boil water notice in 88416?+
There are currently no active boil water advisories on record for 88416. Water treatment systems are operating within normal parameters.
Who provides tap water to 88416?+
Tap water in ZIP code 88416 is provided by Big Mesa Water Mdwca (EPA ID: NM3573725), serving approximately 250 residents.
What water filter should I use in 88416?+
Based on water metrics for 88416, 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 88416 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 Big Mesa Water Mdwca. 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 →