Is Chama, NM Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 51 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
46/100
waterverge.com Chama, NM — Water Quality Report
Chama's drinking water received a grade of D (46 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,663 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.6 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 169 violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 51 remain unresolved.
What to know about Chama's water
Chama ranks #99 out of 163 cities in New Mexico for water quality, placing it below average 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, Chama may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 35 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Chama, NM water safe to drink?
Chama's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (46/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,663 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Chama
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Chama's water quality assessment. Grade: D (46/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
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 Chama's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Chama's water system has 169 total violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 51 remain unresolved. 35 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Rio Arriba 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 Chama Above Chama.
Where does Chama's water come from?
Chama's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,663 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Rio Chama Above Chama (river).
What Chama residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Chama'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.
Chama'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 droughtRio Arriba 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
Rio Arriba 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. | 0.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Chama compares by contaminant
Explore where Chama ranks among all New Mexico cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Chama's water comes from
Chama'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 1,663 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Chama
Chama 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 Chama
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHAMA WATER SYSTEM | NM3501021 | 1,573 | SW |
| CHAMA WEST WATER USERS ASSOCIATION | NM3503821 | 90 | GW |
How Chama compares
Full New Mexico rankings →Chama's score of 46/100 is on par with the average of 44/100 among major New Mexico cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View New Mexico rankings →About Chama, NM
Wikipedia →Chama is a village in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico, United States. The population was 917 at the 2020 census. The village is located in the Rocky Mountains about 7 miles (11 km) south of the Colorado-New Mexico border.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Chama's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Rio Arriba
Frequently asked questions
Is Chama, NM tap water safe to drink?
Chama's water quality earned a grade of D (46/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #99 out of 163 cities tested in New Mexico.
What contaminants are in Chama's water?
Lead was measured at 0.6 ppb (90th percentile). 169 violations are on record.
How is Chama'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 Chama?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Chama's water come from?
Chama's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,663 residents.
What health violations has Chama's water system had?
Chama has 11 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. 51 violations remain unresolved.
How does Chama's water compare to other cities?
Chama ranks #99 out of 163 cities in New Mexico (better than 39% of state cities) and #14039 out of 15744 cities nationally (11th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.