SANTA FE – The New Mexico Environment Department and the New Mexico Department of Health are urging Mora County residents to test their private wells after high levels of metals were found in the county’s groundwater.
Three metals — antimony, arsenic and uranium — exceeded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) safe drinking water limits. The independent geologic study focused on Mora County also found elevated levels of manganese over EPA guidelines.
Seven other metals — barium, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, thallium and vanadium — were also found at elevated levels but within EPA standards.
“There are potential long-term health effects that can develop over several years if people continue to drink untreated water with these levels of metals,” said Chelsea Langer, bureau chief for the New Mexico Department of Health’s (NMDOH) Environmental Health Epidemiology Bureau. “The only way to know for sure what is in your well water is to have it tested by a certified laboratory.”
Residents can decrease exposure by using bottled water when possible.
The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) recommends all private well owners in the area get their water tested at a certified lab. A full list of certified labs in New Mexico can be found here: https://cloud.env.nm.gov/resources/_translator.php/MDkyZWRlNDAwZGVjMDQyY2VkN2EzNDIyNl8xMTc2ODc~.pdf.
The department also recommends the installation of whole-house reverse osmosis systems out of an abundance of caution. It’s important to note that boiling the water will not make it safe and can actually increase the concentration of these metals.
At higher concentrations or with long-term exposure, heavy metals such as these can damage the kidneys, skin, cardiovascular system, and nervous system. Infants, young children, and pregnant individuals are most sensitive, especially to arsenic and manganese, which can affect brain development and lead to long-term health effects.
While it is still unclear where the metals originated, they are found in fire suppressant materials used to battle wildfires — including the 2022 Calf Canyon/Hermits Peak Fire.
NMDOH is collaborating with the NMED and the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) for further testing and long-term solutions for water treatment to eliminate potential harm.
In addition, disaster case managers from the DHSEM are available to connect Mora County residents to any recovery resources, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Claim’s Office, at (505) 670-4662.
NMDOH has created a fact sheet on health factors and water safety available on its website at https://nmtracking.doh.nm.gov/contentfile/pdf/environment/water/HPCC_FactSheet_2025.pdf. The NMDOH Helpline is also available to answer health-related questions at 1-833-SWNURSE (1-833-796-8773).
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