PFAS in Drinking Water in New Mexico
What residents of New Mexico need to know about PFAS ("forever chemicals") in drinking water — including contamination sources, which utilities have documented violations, and how to filter PFAS from tap water.
Source: EPA SDWIS, New Mexico Environment Department, CDC · Last reviewed: 2025-01-01
Quick Answer
Is PFAS in drinking water a real concern in New Mexico?
Yes. New Mexico has documented PFAS contamination from Cannon AFB in Curry County and Holloman AFB in Otero County — two major Air Force installations with extensive AFFF use histories. Both bases have contaminated surrounding groundwater in communities where water resources are already scarce due to the state's arid climate.
Where does PFAS come from in New Mexico?
Cannon AFB near Clovis and Holloman AFB near Alamogordo are New Mexico's primary military PFAS sources. AFFF from flight operations and fire training at both bases has contaminated the underlying alluvial aquifers. In eastern New Mexico's high plains (Curry and Roosevelt counties), groundwater from the Ogallala Aquifer is the primary water source — PFAS contamination of this critical aquifer has serious long-term implications.
What should New Mexico residents know?
Clovis area residents near Cannon AFB face one of the most significant urban PFAS impacts in the Southwest — the city has documented PFAS in some of its municipal wells. Alamogordo residents near Holloman AFB and private well users in these desert communities face particular risk given the lack of alternative water sources. New Mexico NMED has conducted monitoring and is working with the Air Force on remediation.
Key Facts
| EPA MCL (PFOA/PFOS) | 4 ppt — effective April 2024 |
| MCLG | Zero |
| Primary contamination sources | Cannon AFB (Curry County/Clovis), Holloman AFB (Otero County/Alamogordo) |
| Critical aquifer concern | Ogallala Aquifer contamination risk in eastern New Mexico — sole water source for High Plains communities |
| Arid climate factor | No alternative water sources — PFAS contamination is especially serious in desert communities |
| State regulator | New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) |
| Health effects | Cancer (kidney, testicular), thyroid disruption, immune effects, developmental toxicity |
| Effective treatment | Reverse osmosis — especially critical given no alternative water sources |
Why PFAS Matters in New Mexico
New Mexico's arid climate makes PFAS contamination of groundwater particularly serious — there are few alternative water sources in a state where many communities depend entirely on local aquifers. Clovis, NM (population ~40,000) has documented PFAS in its municipal water supply from Cannon AFB contamination, making it one of the most significant urban impacts in the Southwest. Holloman AFB near Alamogordo has also generated documented plumes. The underlying Ogallala Aquifer, which supplies water for both drinking and irrigation across the High Plains, is a long-term concern if PFAS migrates further into this critical regional resource.
New Mexico PFAS Regulation
New Mexico Environment Department participates in UCMR5 monitoring. Cannon AFB and Holloman AFB are the primary PFAS assessment sites, with documented AFFF contamination in the Clovis area (Cannon) and Alamogordo area (Holloman). New Mexico's high dependence on groundwater and limited alternative water sources makes PFAS contamination near military bases particularly concerning. New Mexico follows the federal MCL with no additional state standard.
Largest New Mexico Water Utilities
No PFAS violations on record in EPA SDWIS for New Mexico utilities in our database. Browse the largest utilities to review their full water quality record.
What Are PFAS (“Forever Chemicals”)?
PFAS are a family of over 12,000 synthetic chemicals used in non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, food packaging, and AFFF firefighting foam. Their carbon-fluorine bonds do not break down in the environment or the body — hence the name “forever chemicals.” AFFF used at military bases is the single largest source of PFAS in U.S. drinking water.
Full PFAS overview — national data, health effects, all 50 statesWho Should Pay Closest Attention
Clovis and Curry County residents near Cannon AFB, Alamogordo and Otero County residents near Holloman AFB, and private well users in rural eastern New Mexico communities dependent on the Ogallala Aquifer face elevated risk.
Residents near military bases with AFFF use history
Private well owners near military or industrial sites
Pregnant residents and families with young children
Residents in communities with documented PFAS detections
Anyone who has consumed water above 4 ppt for an extended period
Residents near airports, fire training areas, or industrial manufacturers
How to Check Your Situation in New Mexico
- 1
Identify your water utility using the ZIP lookup below or by browsing the New Mexico utility directory on this site.
- 2
Review your utility's Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) — it must report PFAS monitoring results under UCMR5 and the new MCL.
- 3
Check the EPA's ECHO database for your utility's monitoring history. Look for PFAS, PFOA, PFOS, and related compound results.
- 4
Contact your utility directly and ask for their most recent PFAS test results and whether they are implementing treatment under the 2024 MCL.
- 5
If you use a private well near a military base, airport, or industrial facility, order a PFAS panel test from a state-certified laboratory. Tests typically cost $150–$400.
- 6
If PFAS is detected above 4 ppt in your source water, install a certified NSF/ANSI 58 reverse osmosis system or an NSF/ANSI 53-certified activated carbon filter rated for PFAS removal.
How to Remove PFAS from Tap Water
Reverse Osmosis (Best)
90–99% removal — NSF/ANSI 58 certified systems only
Certified Activated Carbon
Effective with NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 certification — verify before buying
Boiling concentrates PFAS. Standard pitcher filters and water softeners do not remove PFAS. Always verify NSF certification before purchasing.
Take Action Now
Look up your New Mexico utility's PFAS monitoring history on the PFAS Watchlist below.
If your utility has detected PFAS above 4 ppt, install an NSF/ANSI 58-certified reverse osmosis system at your drinking tap.
Private well owners near military or industrial sites should order a PFAS panel test ($150–$400 at a state-certified lab).
Request your utility's most recent Consumer Confidence Report — PFAS results must be disclosed under the new 2024 MCL.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Pages
PFAS — National Overview
All U.S. utilities with PFAS records
New Mexico PFAS Watchlist
Live utility PFAS monitoring data
New Mexico State Overview
All utilities and water quality data
Reverse Osmosis Guide
Removes 90–99% of PFAS
Activated Carbon Filter Guide
NSF/ANSI 53/58 certified options for PFAS
Arsenic in Drinking Water
Another priority contaminant
All Contaminants
Complete reference library
Data Sources & Provenance
All data on this page is sourced from official U.S. government or public datasets.
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New Mexico Environment Department ↗