Zinc

Where It Comes From in New Mexico

In New Mexico, high levels of zinc in drinking water usually come from two main places. First, it can come from older household plumbing, as zinc is used to coat "galvanized" steel pipes to prevent rust, and over time this zinc can dissolve and leak into your tap water.²˒⁴ Second, New Mexico has a long history of mining that has left behind a legacy of contamination.⁵ Abandoned mines, such as the Terrero Mine near the Pecos River or the Royal John Mine in the Gila National Forest, contain old waste rock that can leach zinc and other heavy metals into the surrounding water.⁵˒⁶

Health Concerns

While low levels of zinc are safe and essential for your body, drinking water with very high zinc levels can make you sick.¹˒² Short-term effects of drinking zinc-contaminated water include stomach cramps, nausea, and vomiting.¹˒⁷ Long-term exposure to high levels of zinc is even more dangerous because it stops your body from absorbing other important nutrients like copper and iron, which can lead to anemia, lowered immunity, and other health complications.⁷˒⁸

How Climate Change Exacerbates Exposure Risk

Natural disasters can directly increase the amount of zinc and other metals in our water. Wildfires alter the landscape, and subsequent rains and floods can wash metal-rich ash and dirt straight into our waterways and groundwater.⁹˒¹⁰ For example, after the massive Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon Fire in 2022, studies found elevated levels of zinc and other heavy metals in private drinking water wells in the area.⁹˒¹⁰

How to Mitigate Exposure Risk

If you get your water from a private well, it is your responsibility to ensure it is safe, as the Environmental Protection Agency does not regulate private wells.¹¹

• Look out for signs: Pay attention if your water starts tasting metallic, looks chalky, or leaves blue-green stains on your sinks and fixtures.²

• Test your water: Have your well water tested by a certified laboratory to check the zinc levels.¹¹ Following certain wildfires, the New Mexico Environment Department has offered free well testing for heavy metals in affected areas.⁹

• Never boil the water: Boiling water will not remove zinc; it simply evaporates the water and leaves the metals behind, making them even more concentrated.¹⁰

• Filter your water: If your water has high zinc levels, you can install specialized water treatment systems in your home, such as reverse osmosis systems, which are highly effective at removing heavy metals.²˒¹⁰