Well Water in Eldorado at Santa Fe, New Mexico

Santa Fe County · Population ~6,000 · Aquifer: Santa Fe Group / Galisteo Formation

Hardness: Moderate to Hard

Arsenic in 1 of 7 Wells

Testing data shows that roughly 15% of wells in the Eldorado area have elevated arsenic — that's about 1 in 7. The arsenic comes from the same geological sources that affect much of central New Mexico: volcanic rocks and deep mineralized water moving along faults.

If you're on a private well in or near Eldorado, arsenic testing is not optional. It's colorless, tasteless, and odorless — the only way to know is to test. See our arsenic guide for full details on health effects and treatment.

Uranium

Uranium is a documented concern in the Eldorado area, occurring naturally in the Santa Fe Group and Galisteo Formation sediments. The EPA maximum contaminant level for uranium is 30 micrograms per liter. Long-term exposure affects the kidneys and increases cancer risk.

Uranium and arsenic can co-occur in the same well, requiring treatment that addresses both. Reverse osmosis is effective for both contaminants.

Community System vs. Private Wells

If you're served by the Eldorado Water and Sanitation District, your water is tested and treated to meet federal standards. The concern is for properties on private wells — either outside the district boundary or in areas where the system doesn't extend.

If you're on a private well near Eldorado, you're drawing from the same aquifer but without the treatment infrastructure. Test for arsenic, uranium, fluoride, hardness, bacteria, nitrates, pH, and TDS.