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Childhood blood lead surveillance data in New Mexico

What do blood lead levels look like for children in New Mexico?

Last verified from EPA SDWIS: 2026-04-14
Water systems
1,184
Known lead
0
Unknown
0
BIL funding
$0M

Childhood Blood Lead Levels in New Mexico

Why blood lead testing matters

Blood lead levels in children are the most direct way to know whether lead exposure is happening in your home and community. Even low levels can affect brain development, learning, and behavior. New Mexico's public health system tracks these levels to identify where children need help and where water systems or homes may be sources of exposure.

New Mexico's blood lead surveillance program

The New Mexico Environment Department's Drinking Water Bureau oversees lead in water systems across the state, which serve approximately 2 million residents through 1,184 water systems. However, blood lead data in children comes from a separate program: the New Mexico Department of Health's Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program.

This program tracks elevated blood lead levels (5 micrograms per deciliter and above) reported by laboratories and healthcare providers. The CDC maintains county-level data on the percentage of tested children with elevated levels, which you can search by county on the CDC's childhood blood lead surveillance map.

How to access New Mexico's data

To request specific blood lead surveillance data for your county or zip code:

  • Contact the New Mexico Department of Health, Epidemiology and Response Division at (505) 827-2613 or through their lead poisoning prevention page
  • Ask about Medicaid screening data, which covers many New Mexico children and may show exposure trends

The state is also required to maintain a registry of homes with lead-based paint, and this can intersect with water lead risks. Your local health department can tell you if your address is flagged.

What the data tells you

If your county shows higher percentages of elevated blood lead levels, it doesn't automatically mean your water is the cause—lead paint, dust, and soil are often bigger contributors. But it is a signal that your home and your child should be tested. A pediatrician or your local health department can order a free or low-cost blood lead test.

Next steps for residents

  • Request your child's blood lead test from a pediatrician or local health department clinic
  • Contact your water utility to ask whether your address is on a lead service line (ask for their Lead Service Line Inventory)
  • Check your county's blood lead surveillance data on the CDC map to understand local exposure trends
  • Report any test results to your local health department—this data helps public health teams spot patterns and respond

Related topics in New Mexico

Common questions

What is a normal blood lead level for children?

The CDC recommends action when a child's blood lead level is 5 micrograms per deciliter or higher. Any level above 0 can affect development, but the CDC uses 5 µg/dL as a marker for intervention. Ask your pediatrician about your child's specific result.

How do I find out my child's blood lead level?

Request a blood lead test from your pediatrician or your local health department clinic. Many clinics offer free or low-cost tests, especially for children on Medicaid. Results are usually available in 1–2 weeks.

Can lead in water cause elevated blood lead levels in kids?

Yes, but water is usually not the main source. Lead paint, dust, and soil cause most childhood exposures. However, if your home has old plumbing or a lead service line, water can contribute. Have your water tested and your child's blood tested to know for sure.

Where do I get New Mexico's county-level blood lead data?

The CDC maintains county-level childhood blood lead surveillance data at cdc.gov/nceh/lead/data/state.html. You can also contact the New Mexico Department of Health Epidemiology and Response Division at (505) 827-2613 for more detailed information.