Statewide Compliance and Testing

• Overall Compliance: Most of New Mexico’s 450+ public water systems meet federal Safe Drinking Water Act standards, though PFAS contamination has been detected in multiple systems statewide, with highest concentrations near military installations and urban areas.
• PFAS Monitoring: UCMR5 testing through 2025 has revealed PFAS detections in 5 out of 49 public water systems tested so far, with some of the nation’s highest PFAS levels found in wildlife and plants around Holloman Lake near military bases.
• Infrastructure Investment: Over $800 million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding has been allocated to New Mexico for water infrastructure improvements, including $18.9 million specifically for PFAS detection and remediation efforts.

Major Water Sources and Challenges

• Rio Grande System: Primary surface water source serving Albuquerque and central New Mexico, with PFAS levels increasing significantly (up to 10x higher) downstream of urban areas due to wastewater discharge and urban runoff.
• Groundwater Aquifers: Critical water sources facing depletion from drought and overuse, with PFAS contamination detected in 27 out of 117 groundwater sites tested, particularly near military installations using firefighting foam.
• Climate Change Impacts: Persistent drought conditions and declining snowpack threaten water security, with some drinking water systems losing 40-70% of treated water due to aging infrastructure and distribution system leaks.

Emerging Contaminant Response

• PFAS Regulation Leadership: New Mexico became the second state to enact comprehensive PFAS consumer product bans, phasing out cookware, food packaging, and juvenile products by 2027, with full implementation by 2032.
• Military Base Contamination: Active litigation with the U.S. Department of Defense over PFAS cleanup at Cannon and Holloman Air Force Bases, with investigations ongoing at five additional military installations across the state.
• Innovative Treatment Approaches: Implementation of advanced treatment technologies including activated carbon filtration and reverse osmosis systems, with state funding supporting water system upgrades to meet new EPA PFAS standards by 2029.

Strategic Water Management Initiatives

• Strategic Water Supply Program: Groundbreaking initiative to develop brackish water resources for industrial use while preserving freshwater for communities, with state funding and public participation requirements ensuring transparency.
• Enhanced Surface Water Protections: New legislation provides state authority over 90-95% of waterways previously left vulnerable by federal rollbacks, making New Mexico the 48th state with surface water permitting authority.
• Rural Community Support: Targeted federal funding through emerging contaminant programs provides grants and technical assistance to small and disadvantaged communities for PFAS testing and treatment infrastructure.

Looking Forward: 2025-2030

New Mexico’s water future hinges on successful implementation of its ambitious 50-Year Water Action Plan, which aims to reduce water consumption by 10% in rural and municipal communities by 2040 while addressing infrastructure needs including over 70 deficient dams. The state’s proactive approach to PFAS regulation, strategic brackish water development, and enhanced surface water protections positions New Mexico as a national model for water security in arid regions. However, continued federal partnership, ongoing litigation with military polluters, and sustained investment in aging infrastructure will be critical to ensuring safe, reliable water access for all New Mexicans while preserving this precious resource for future generations in an increasingly water-scarce environment.