New Mexico Water Well Statistics 2026: 45 Facts & Data You Need to Know
New Mexico Water Well Overview
New Mexico is one of the driest states in the nation, making groundwater critically important. The New Mexico Office of the State Engineer (NMOSE) administers all water rights, including groundwater permits. Approximately 87% of New Mexico's public water supply comes from groundwater.
Source: New Mexico Office of the State Engineer
Key New Mexico Well Facts
- 650,000+ New Mexicans rely on private wells for drinking water (USGS)
- 31% of New Mexico's population uses private well water
- Groundwater provides 87% of public water supply
- 1.5 million acre-feet of groundwater used annually
- 16 declared groundwater basins with special regulations
- 3,200+ new well permits issued annually
- 195 licensed well drillers in New Mexico
Major Aquifers
| Aquifer | Location | Avg Depth | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Middle Rio Grande Basin | Albuquerque area | 600 ft | Declining |
| Santa Fe Group | Santa Fe area | 450 ft | Variable |
| Ogallala (High Plains) | Eastern NM | 280 ft | Declining |
| Roswell Artesian Basin | SE New Mexico | 350 ft | Stable |
| San Juan Basin | NW New Mexico | 385 ft | Variable |
| Tularosa Basin | South-Central NM | 420 ft | Declining |
Wells by County
| County | Est. Wells | Primary Aquifer | Avg Depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bernalillo (Albuquerque) | 28,800 | Middle Rio Grande | 585 ft |
| Santa Fe | 18,000 | Santa Fe Group | 445 ft |
| Sandoval | 14,400 | Rio Grande Basin | 425 ft |
| Chaves (Roswell) | 12,600 | Roswell Artesian | 365 ft |
| Doña Ana (Las Cruces) | 11,700 | Mesilla Basin | 285 ft |
| Valencia | 9,900 | Rio Grande Basin | 325 ft |
| Lea | 9,000 | Ogallala | 245 ft |
| San Juan | 7,200 | San Juan Basin | 385 ft |
| Eddy (Carlsbad) | 6,300 | Pecos Valley | 295 ft |
| Curry (Clovis) | 5,400 | Ogallala | 265 ft |
Well Drilling Costs (2026)
Source: New Mexico Ground Water Association
| Region | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Albuquerque Metro | $28,000 | $42,000 | $65,000 |
| Santa Fe Area | $24,000 | $38,000 | $58,000 |
| Las Cruces/Southern | $18,000 | $28,000 | $45,000 |
| Eastern NM (Ogallala) | $15,000 | $24,000 | $38,000 |
| Rural/Mountain | $22,000 | $35,000 | $55,000 |
Cost per Foot
- Alluvial/sand: $22-40/foot
- Sedimentary: $30-50/foot
- Hard rock: $45-70/foot
Water Quality Statistics
| Parameter | % Affected | Common Areas |
|---|---|---|
| Arsenic (>10 ppb) | 15% | Central/Southern NM |
| Hardness (>180 mg/L) | 55% | Statewide |
| TDS (>500 mg/L) | 40% | Various basins |
| Fluoride (>2 mg/L) | 8% | Various locations |
| Nitrate (>5 mg/L) | 7% | Agricultural areas |
| Uranium | 5% | Grants area, SE NM |
We service all major pump brands including Franklin Electric, Grundfos, Goulds (Xylem), and Sta-Rite (Pentair). Our trucks carry common parts and components for same-day repairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many water wells are in New Mexico?
New Mexico has approximately 180,000 registered water wells. Bernalillo County (Albuquerque) has the most with about 28,800.
What is the average well depth in New Mexico?
Average is 350-500 feet. Albuquerque area wells average 400-800 feet; eastern New Mexico 200-400 feet.
How much does it cost to drill a well in New Mexico?
A complete residential well costs $18,000-$40,000. Albuquerque area wells typically $30,000-$50,000.
Do you need a permit for a well in New Mexico?
Yes, all wells require NMOSE permits. Domestic wells have simplified requirements but still need permits.
Need Well Service Information?
Southern California Well Service serves San Diego and Riverside Counties. For New Mexico, contact NMOSE at (505) 827-6091.
California service: (760) 440-8520
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