Is Canon, NM Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 56 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
52.1/100
waterverge.com Canon, NM — Water Quality Report
Canon's drinking water received a grade of D+ (52.1 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 520 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 5.0 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 127 violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 56 remain unresolved.
What to know about Canon's water
Canon ranks #75 out of 163 cities in New Mexico for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Canon 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, Canon may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 10 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Canon, NM water safe to drink?
Canon's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (52.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 520 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Canon
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Canon's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (52.1/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence 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-4079). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Canon's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Canon's water system has 127 total violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 56 remain unresolved. 10 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Sandoval County has experienced 5 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 Jemez River, Vallecito Creek.
Where does Canon's water come from?
Canon's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 520 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Jemez River (river), Vallecito Creek (river).
What Canon residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Canon'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.
Canon'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
Sandoval County has experienced 5 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. | 5.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Canon compares by contaminant
Explore where Canon ranks among all New Mexico cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Canon's water comes from
Canon'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 520 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Canon
Canon is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Canon
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CANON MDWCA | NM3535223 | 320 | GW |
| CANON MDWCA | NM3505629 | 200 | GW |
How Canon compares
Full New Mexico rankings →Canon's score of 52.1/100 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 Canon, NM
Wikipedia →Jemez Pueblo is a federally recognized tribe and census-designated place (CDP) in Sandoval County, New Mexico, United States. The population was 1,963 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Albuquerque Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Canon's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Sandoval
Frequently asked questions
Is Canon, NM tap water safe to drink?
Canon's water quality earned a grade of D+ (52.1/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #75 out of 163 cities tested in New Mexico.
What contaminants are in Canon's water?
Lead was measured at 5.0 ppb (90th percentile). 127 violations are on record.
How is Canon'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 Canon?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Canon's water come from?
Canon's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 520 residents.
What health violations has Canon's water system had?
Canon has 10 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. 56 violations remain unresolved.
Is Canon's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Canon 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 127 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 Canon's water compare to other cities?
Canon ranks #75 out of 163 cities in New Mexico (better than 54% of state cities) and #12790 out of 15744 cities nationally (19th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.