Is Cerrillos, NM Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
43/100
waterverge.com Cerrillos, NM — Water Quality Report
Cerrillos's drinking water received a grade of F (43 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 776 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.8 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 18 health-based violations. 61 remain unresolved.
What to know about Cerrillos's water
Cerrillos ranks #125 out of 163 cities in New Mexico for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Cerrillos 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, Cerrillos may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 28 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Cerrillos, NM water safe to drink?
Cerrillos's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (43/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 776 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Cerrillos
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Cerrillos's water quality assessment. Grade: F (43/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
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 Cerrillos's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Cerrillos's water system has 116 total violations on record, including 18 health-based violations. 61 remain unresolved. 28 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Santa Fe 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 Santa Fe River Above Cochiti Lake, Galisteo Reservoir, Galisteo Creek Below Galisteo Dam.
Where does Cerrillos's water come from?
Cerrillos's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 776 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Santa Fe River Above Cochiti Lake (river), Galisteo Reservoir (lake), Galisteo Creek Below Galisteo Dam (river).
What Cerrillos residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Cerrillos'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.
Cerrillos'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
D2 — severe droughtSanta Fe County is currently in D2 (severe 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
Santa Fe 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 Cerrillos'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. | 3.8 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.40 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.400 mg/L (2006)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Cerrillos compares by contaminant
Explore where Cerrillos ranks among all New Mexico cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Cerrillos's water comes from
Cerrillos'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 776 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Cerrillos
Cerrillos is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Cerrillos
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| EL VADITO DE LOS CERRILLOS WATER ASSOC | NM3504126 | 461 | GW |
| MADRID WATER | NM3504826 | 315 | GW |
How Cerrillos compares
Full New Mexico rankings →Cerrillos's score of 43/100 is on par with the average of 44/100 among major New Mexico cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View New Mexico rankings →About Cerrillos, NM
Wikipedia →Los Cerrillos is a census-designated place (CDP) in Santa Fe County, New Mexico, United States. It is part of the Santa Fe, New Mexico Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 229 at the 2000 census. Cerrillos is accessible from State Highway 14 which is known as The Turquoise Trail south of Santa Fe due to local deposits; the road, known as Cerrillos Road in the Santa Fe city limits, continues southerly to Albuquerque.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Cerrillos's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Santa Fe
Frequently asked questions
Is Cerrillos, NM tap water safe to drink?
Cerrillos's water quality earned a grade of F (43/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #125 out of 163 cities tested in New Mexico.
What contaminants are in Cerrillos's water?
Lead was measured at 3.8 ppb (90th percentile). 116 violations are on record.
How is Cerrillos'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 Cerrillos?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Cerrillos's water come from?
Cerrillos's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 776 residents.
What health violations has Cerrillos's water system had?
Cerrillos has 18 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. 61 violations remain unresolved.
Is Cerrillos's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Cerrillos 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 116 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 Cerrillos's water compare to other cities?
Cerrillos ranks #125 out of 163 cities in New Mexico (better than 23% of state cities) and #14707 out of 15744 cities nationally (7th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.