Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in Albuquerque?
Yes, tap water in Albuquerque is safe to drink. It's supplied by a blend of Rio Grande surface water (via the San Juan-Chama diversion) and groundwater, treated to meet all EPA standards.
Water Source
The Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority blends Rio Grande water delivered through the San Juan-Chama Project with local groundwater, a shift from the city's historical sole reliance on its aquifer.
EPA Compliance Status
Meets all federal Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
Notable Contaminants & Context
- •No significant compliance concerns
How It Compares
Albuquerque's shift toward blending surface water with groundwater, completed in the 2000s, was designed to reduce long-term strain on the underlying aquifer and is often cited as a regional water-sustainability success story.
Tips
- •The Water Authority publishes an annual water quality report
- •No need for bottled water around the city
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources & References
The safety rating and guidance on this page draw on the following sources. See our full methodology.
- •US EPA Safe Drinking Water Act regulations
- •EWG Tap Water Database
- •The utility's most recent Consumer Confidence Report (CCR)
- •WHO Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality