Water Quality: Tijeras, NM

Long-term exposure increases risk of skin, bladder, and lung cancers, as well as cardiovascular and neurological effects.

Common source: Natural rock deposits, agricultural pesticides, industrial waste

EPA limit: 0.010 mg/L (10 ppb)

Eye and nose irritation at high levels; long-term exposure above the MCL may cause liver and kidney damage.

Common source: Water treatment disinfectant added to kill harmful microorganisms

EPA limit: 4.0 mg/L (MRDL — Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level)

Can cause anemia in infants and young children; may cause nervous system effects at high levels.

Common source: Water treatment disinfectant used to control taste, odor, and microorganisms

EPA limit: 0.8 mg/L

Haloacetic acids are associated with increased cancer risk and potential reproductive and developmental effects.

Common source: Reaction of chlorine disinfectants with organic matter in treated water

EPA limit: 0.060 mg/L (60 ppb)

Linked to increased cancer risk and potential reproductive and developmental effects with long-term exposure.

Common source: Reaction of chlorine disinfectants with organic matter in treated water

EPA limit: 0.060 mg/L (60 ppb)

Causes neurological damage, developmental delays in children, and kidney damage in adults even at low exposure levels.

Common source: Old plumbing pipes, lead solder, brass fixtures

EPA limit: Action Level: 0.015 mg/L (15 ppb)

Trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids that increase cancer risk and may cause adverse reproductive outcomes.

Common source: Chlorine disinfection reacting with natural organic matter in source water

EPA limit: TTHM: 0.080 mg/L; HAA5: 0.060 mg/L

Not a direct health risk but reacts with disinfectants to form carcinogenic byproducts such as trihalomethanes.

Common source: Decaying plant material, algae, soil organic matter in source water

EPA limit: Treatment technique (must reduce TOC based on source water level)