Is Bluewater, NM Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C-, with 30 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
57/100
waterverge.com Bluewater, NM — Water Quality Report
Bluewater's drinking water received a grade of C- (57 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 627 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 5.3 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 143 violations on record, including 28 health-based violations. 30 remain unresolved.
What to know about Bluewater's water
Bluewater ranks #71 out of 163 cities in New Mexico for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Bluewater 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, Bluewater may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 7 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Bluewater, NM water safe to drink?
Bluewater's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C- (57/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 627 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Bluewater
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Bluewater's water quality assessment. Grade: C- (57/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4886). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3628). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice, Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Bluewater'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
Bluewater's water system has 143 total violations on record, including 28 health-based violations. 30 remain unresolved. 7 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Lincoln County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1965. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies.
Where does Bluewater's water come from?
Bluewater's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 627 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Bluewater residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Bluewater'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.
Bluewater'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 Bluewater
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Bluewater, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
MCKINLEY PAPER & PACKAGING - NM PAPER MILL PREWITT, NM87045 | — | — | 9.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Bluewater
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- PREWITT ABANDONED REFINERY10.0 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtMcKinley 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
Lincoln County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1965. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Bluewater'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. | 5.3 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Bluewater compares by contaminant
Explore where Bluewater ranks among all New Mexico cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Bluewater's water comes from
Bluewater'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 627 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Bluewater
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BLUEWATER WATER AND SANITATION DISTRICT | NM3525033 | 492 | GW |
| BLUEWATER LAKE MDWCA | NM3510117 | 135 | GW |
How Bluewater compares
Full New Mexico rankings →Bluewater's score of 57/100 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 Bluewater, NM
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Bluewater's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Cibola
Frequently asked questions
Is Bluewater, NM tap water safe to drink?
Bluewater's water quality earned a grade of C- (57/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #71 out of 163 cities tested in New Mexico.
What contaminants are in Bluewater's water?
Lead was measured at 5.3 ppb (90th percentile). 143 violations are on record.
How is Bluewater'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 Bluewater?
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 Bluewater's water come from?
Bluewater's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 627 residents.
What health violations has Bluewater's water system had?
Bluewater has 28 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 30 violations remain unresolved.
Is Bluewater's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Bluewater 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 143 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 Bluewater's water compare to other cities?
Bluewater ranks #71 out of 163 cities in New Mexico (better than 56% of state cities) and #12408 out of 15744 cities nationally (21th percentile). The grade of C- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.