Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I go for information on water quality?
Who do I call regarding bad taste, color odor or low water pressure?
What is the typical water hardness (on scale) for water in my area?
My water looks cloudy. Who should I call for help?
What should I do if my water is discolored?
Do I need to filter the water coming into my house?
Where do I go for information on water quality?
Each year the City of Alamogordo is required to publish an annual water quality report (Consumer Confidence Report). Visit our Water Quality Reports section for more information.
Who do I call regarding bad taste, color odor or low water pressure?
Contact our Water Treatment Division Office at (575) 437-5991 during normal business hours or (575) 439-4300 outside of normal business hours.
What is the typical water hardness (on scale) for water in my area?
The City of Alamogordo’s tap water is considered to be “very hard,” because of the minerals such as calcium in the rock formations from which we draw water. This water contains 34–39 grains of hardness per gallon. There are no harmful health effects associated with these minerals (in fact, some believe they are beneficial), but measuring them does provide a guideline as to how water use may be affected. For example, hard water does result in more scale buildup and you need to use more soap and detergents.
My water looks cloudy. Who should I call for help?
During regular business hours (7:00 am-3:30 pm), call our Water Treatment Division Office at (575) 437-5991. After hours, please call our dispatch center at (575) 439-4300. These locations handle questions and complaints regarding the odor, taste, and color of water. The cloudiness is usually the result of tiny air bubbles in the water. If you fill a clear glass and let it sit, after a while, the bubbles rise to the top and are gone. This occurs more often in the winter when the water is cold. Sometimes, this can be caused by a plumbing problem or the result of a recent water line failure.
What should I do if my water is discolored?
If you experience discolored water, contact our Water Treatment Division Office at (575) 437-5991 during normal business hours or (575) 439-4300 outside of normal business hours. Provide us with as much information as possible, including time and date the problem started, location, and your best description of the problem.
The City of Alamogordo Water system has been in operation for more than 100 years, and some of the water mains have been in existence for over 80 years and are made of cast iron. Whenever the water velocity or flow direction changes from normal, iron sediment from these old mains is picked up by the water and shows up as discoloration. Incidents that can cause this include:
- Fire hydrant flushing – causes a temporary increase in water velocity as fire crews check hydrant operation.
- Water main breaks – cause a temporary increase in flow velocity and in some cases also cause a reversal in the normal flow direction of the water.
- In these situations, the water is safe to drink. However, use care as the iron can stain laundry and plumbing fixtures.
Do I need to filter the water coming into my house?
No. If you choose to install a filter, there are some issues to keep in mind. A water filter is like any other piece of equipment – it must be maintained. If a filter is not properly maintained, it can break down and degrade your water quality.