Is Blanco, NM Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C, with 32 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
62.7/100
waterverge.com Blanco, NM — Water Quality Report
Blanco's drinking water received a grade of C (62.7 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,148 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.7 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 116 violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 32 remain unresolved.
What to know about Blanco's water
Blanco ranks #66 out of 163 cities in New Mexico for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
As a small community water system, Blanco may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 11 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Blanco, NM water safe to drink?
Blanco's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C (62.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,148 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Blanco
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Blanco's water quality assessment. Grade: C (62.7/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4152). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1936). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Blanco's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Blanco's water system has 116 total violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 32 remain unresolved. 11 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
San Juan County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 2005. 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 San Juan River.
Where does Blanco's water come from?
Blanco's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,148 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include San Juan River (river).
What Blanco residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Blanco'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.
Blanco'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Blanco
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Blanco, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
WESTERN REFINING - BLOOMFIELD BLOOMFIELD, NM87413 | — | — | 8.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtSan Juan 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
San Juan County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 2005. 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. | 0.7 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Blanco compares by contaminant
Explore where Blanco ranks among all New Mexico cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Blanco's water comes from
Blanco's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 1,148 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Blanco
Blanco is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Blanco
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BLANCO MDWCA | NM3531524 | 1,148 | SWP |
How Blanco compares
Full New Mexico rankings →Blanco's score of 62.7/100 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 Blanco, NM
Wikipedia →Blanco is a census-designated place in San Juan County, New Mexico, United States. Its population was 388 as of the 2010 census. Blanco has a post office with ZIP code 87412, which opened on March 6, 1901. U.S. Route 64 passes through the community.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Blanco's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across San Juan
Frequently asked questions
Is Blanco, NM tap water safe to drink?
Blanco's water quality earned a grade of C (62.7/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #66 out of 163 cities tested in New Mexico.
What contaminants are in Blanco's water?
Lead was measured at 0.7 ppb (90th percentile). 116 violations are on record.
How is Blanco'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 Blanco?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Blanco's water come from?
Blanco's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,148 residents.
What health violations has Blanco's water system had?
Blanco has 9 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 32 violations remain unresolved.
How does Blanco's water compare to other cities?
Blanco ranks #66 out of 163 cities in New Mexico (better than 60% of state cities) and #11851 out of 15744 cities nationally (25th percentile). The grade of C reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Blanco's small water system affect quality?
Blanco's system serves approximately 1,148 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 116 violations on record.