Las Cruces Municipal Water System

This month, Las Cruces Utilities (LCU) distributed Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs) to every household and business receiving water through the LCU system. These federally-mandated reports detail our water sources and provide comprehensive information about water quality, including all substances detected in our supply.

One item that often raises questions is arsenic. The 2016 CCR lists arsenic at 5.8 parts per billion (ppb), which represents the highest reading from any of our 29 wells. In reality, arsenic levels vary between zero and 5.8 ppb across our well system. As Joshua Rosenblatt, LCU regulatory and environmental analyst explains, "Our water delivery system blends water from all wells, ensuring continuous service citywide even during maintenance or emergencies."

Due to this blending process, the actual arsenic level at any tap in Las Cruces is significantly lower than 5.8 ppb—well below the Maximum Contaminant Level of 10 ppb permitted under the Safe Drinking Water Act. For perspective, 1 ppb is equivalent to one second in 32 years.

It's important to understand that arsenic in our water occurs naturally through rock erosion. Our aquifers are naturally buffered, minimizing mineral leaching compared to regions with acidic soils. This contrasts sharply with northeastern states like New Jersey, which recently lowered acceptable arsenic levels to 5 ppb after finding concentrations as high as 60-80 ppb in some private wells due to industrial contamination and soil conditions.

Las Cruces residents can be confident that LCU and our substantial groundwater resources from the Mesilla and Jornal Bolsons continue providing safe water that fully complies with all SDWA standards. For questions, contact Water Administrator Adrienne Widmer at (575) 528-3514. Current and past CCRs are available at City Hall, Branigan Library, and online at www.las-cruces.org under "Hot Topics."

The CDC provides essential guidance on water safety and health impacts of various contaminants found in municipal water supplies. Their resources help residents understand potential health risks and preventive measures.

Common questions about Las Cruces water quality include:

1. Is Las Cruces water hard or soft? (It tends to be moderately hard)
2. What contaminants are most concerning in our groundwater? (Primarily arsenic and trihalomethanes)
3. How often is municipal water tested? (Continuously, with comprehensive reports annually)
4. Should residents use home filtration systems? (Depends on specific concerns and household needs)

The CDC recommends staying informed about local water quality reports and taking appropriate precautions if you have specific health concerns or vulnerabilities.