Is Arroyo Hondo, NM Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F, with 76 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
37/100
waterverge.com Arroyo Hondo, NM — Water Quality Report
Arroyo Hondo's drinking water received a grade of F (37 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 694 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 14.0 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 190 violations on record, including 52 health-based violations. 76 remain unresolved.
What to know about Arroyo Hondo's water
Arroyo Hondo ranks #157 out of 163 cities in New Mexico for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Arroyo Hondo relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Arroyo Hondo may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 23 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Arroyo Hondo, NM water safe to drink?
Arroyo Hondo's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (37/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 694 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Arroyo Hondo
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Arroyo Hondo's water quality assessment. Grade: F (37/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
2 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4152). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3229). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Arroyo Hondo's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Arroyo Hondo's water system has 190 total violations on record, including 52 health-based violations. 76 remain unresolved. 23 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Taos County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1973. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include Rio Hondo, Rio Pueblo De Taos, Rio Lucero, Rio Pueblo De Taos Below Los Cordovas.
Where does Arroyo Hondo's water come from?
Arroyo Hondo's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 694 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Rio Hondo (river), Rio Pueblo De Taos (river), Rio Lucero (river), Rio Pueblo De Taos Below Los Cordovas (river).
What Arroyo Hondo residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Arroyo Hondo's water.
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Arroyo Hondo's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtTaos County is currently in D3 (extreme drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Taos County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1973. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Arroyo Hondo's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 14.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Near Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Arroyo Hondo compares by contaminant
Explore where Arroyo Hondo ranks among all New Mexico cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Arroyo Hondo's water comes from
Arroyo Hondo's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 694 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Arroyo Hondo
Arroyo Hondo is located near 4 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Arroyo Hondo
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LOWER DES MONTES MDWCA | NM3574729 | 319 | GW |
| UPPER ARROYO HONDO MDWCA | NM3507829 | 195 | GW |
| LOWER ARROYO HONDO MDWCA | NM3505429 | 180 | GW |
How Arroyo Hondo compares
Full New Mexico rankings →Arroyo Hondo's score of 37/100 is below the average of 44/100 among major New Mexico cities. It outscores 2 of 10 nearby cities. 8 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View New Mexico rankings →About Arroyo Hondo, NM
Wikipedia →Arroyo Seco is a census-designated place in Taos County near Taos, New Mexico. Arroyo Seco's economy is based on tourism and services to residents of retirement and vacation homes.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Arroyo Hondo's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Taos
Frequently asked questions
Is Arroyo Hondo, NM tap water safe to drink?
Arroyo Hondo's water quality earned a grade of F (37/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #157 out of 163 cities tested in New Mexico.
What contaminants are in Arroyo Hondo's water?
Lead was measured at 14.0 ppb (90th percentile). 190 violations are on record.
How is Arroyo Hondo's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Arroyo Hondo?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Arroyo Hondo's water come from?
Arroyo Hondo's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 694 residents.
What health violations has Arroyo Hondo's water system had?
Arroyo Hondo has 52 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 76 violations remain unresolved.
Is Arroyo Hondo's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Arroyo Hondo uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 190 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Arroyo Hondo's water compare to other cities?
Arroyo Hondo ranks #157 out of 163 cities in New Mexico (better than 4% of state cities) and #15437 out of 15744 cities nationally (2th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.