Nitrite in New Mexico Drinking Water
New Mexico has 2,786 public water systems. 2138 have recorded nitrite violations.
Total Systems
2,786
With Violations
2,138
EPA MCL
1
Population Served
2.1M
Nitrite in New Mexico: Key Facts
Total Water Systems
2,786
Systems with Violations
2,138
Lead Violations
22
Copper Violations
71
EPA Standard
1 mg/L as N
MCLG (goal): 1 mg/L
Water Systems with Violations in New Mexico
| System | Population | Violations |
|---|---|---|
| LOMA ESCONDIDA WATER ASSOCIATION | 89 | 1900 |
| CASSANDRA WATER SYSTEM | 34 | 1289 |
| LUMBERTON MDWCA | 223 | 1277 |
| LONGHORN ESTATES WATER SYSTEM | 264 | 1233 |
| WESTERN TERRACE | 76 | 1169 |
| BOSQUE DEL APACHE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFU | 60 | 1106 |
| SANTA CRUZ WATER ASSOCIATION | 394 | 1003 |
| CHEVRON MINING INC QUESTA MINE | 300 | 978 |
Health Effects of Nitrite Exposure
Blue baby syndrome
Can block oxygen in blood of infants under 6 months
Methemoglobinemia
Converts hemoglobin, reducing blood oxygen-carrying capacity
Infants below 6 months can develop methemoglobinemia ('blue baby syndrome'). Combined nitrate+nitrite limit is 10 mg/L.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there nitrite in New Mexico water?
New Mexico has 2,786 public water systems. 2138 have recorded nitrite violations based on EPA SDWIS data. If you are on a private well, your water is not covered by these regulations and should be tested independently.
How can I check my New Mexico water for nitrite?
Search for your water system using the WaterCheck system lookup, or contact your utility and request a copy of your Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). The CCR is published annually and lists all detected contaminants, their levels, and the EPA MCLs. For private wells, contact a state-certified lab for independent testing.
What is the EPA limit for nitrite?
The EPA Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for nitrite is 1 mg/L as N. Systems that exceed MCLs are required to notify customers and take corrective action.
Nitrite at a Glance
Source
Runoff from fertilizer use; leaching from septic tanks and sewage; erosion of natural deposits
How to Filter Nitrite
- +Reverse osmosis removes nitrite
- +Ion exchange systems can remove nitrite
- +Do not give water with elevated nitrite to infants