Is Arroyo Seco, NM Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+, with 41 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
66.8/100
waterverge.com Arroyo Seco, NM — Water Quality Report
Arroyo Seco's drinking water received a grade of C+ (66.8 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 676 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 118 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 41 remain unresolved.
What to know about Arroyo Seco's water
Arroyo Seco ranks #60 out of 163 cities in New Mexico for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Arroyo Seco 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.
As a small community water system, Arroyo Seco may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 12 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Arroyo Seco, NM water safe to drink?
Arroyo Seco's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (66.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 676 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Arroyo Seco
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Arroyo Seco's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (66.8/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, 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 Seco's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Arroyo Seco's water system has 118 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 41 remain unresolved. 12 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 Seco's water come from?
Arroyo Seco's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 676 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 Seco residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Arroyo Seco'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.
Arroyo Seco'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.
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. | 3.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Arroyo Seco compares by contaminant
Explore where Arroyo Seco ranks among all New Mexico cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Arroyo Seco's water comes from
Arroyo Seco'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 676 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Arroyo Seco
Arroyo Seco 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 Seco
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ARROYO SECO MDWCA | NM3505529 | 444 | GW |
| EL SALTO MDWCA AND SA | NM3522329 | 232 | GW |
How Arroyo Seco compares
Full New Mexico rankings →Arroyo Seco's score of 66.8/100 is above the average of 44/100 among major New Mexico cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View New Mexico rankings →About Arroyo Seco, 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 Seco's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Taos
Frequently asked questions
Is Arroyo Seco, NM tap water safe to drink?
Arroyo Seco's water quality earned a grade of C+ (66.8/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #60 out of 163 cities tested in New Mexico.
What contaminants are in Arroyo Seco's water?
Lead was measured at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile). 118 violations are on record.
How is Arroyo Seco'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 Seco?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Arroyo Seco's water come from?
Arroyo Seco's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 676 residents.
What health violations has Arroyo Seco's water system had?
Arroyo Seco has 5 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. 41 violations remain unresolved.
Is Arroyo Seco's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Arroyo Seco 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 118 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 Seco's water compare to other cities?
Arroyo Seco ranks #60 out of 163 cities in New Mexico (better than 63% of state cities) and #11334 out of 15744 cities nationally (28th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.