Is Chamita, NM Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+, with 33 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
65.1/100
waterverge.com Chamita, NM — Water Quality Report
Chamita's drinking water received a grade of C+ (65.1 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 902 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 57 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 33 remain unresolved.
What to know about Chamita's water
Chamita ranks #61 out of 163 cities in New Mexico for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Chamita 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, Chamita 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 Chamita, NM water safe to drink?
Chamita's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (65.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 902 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Chamita
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Chamita's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (65.1/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform 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 Chamita's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Chamita's water system has 57 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 33 remain unresolved. 11 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.
Where does Chamita's water come from?
Chamita's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 902 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Rio Chama (river).
What Chamita residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Chamita'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.
Chamita'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
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Chamita
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.
- NORTH RAILROAD AVENUE PLUME5.4 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Chamita compares by contaminant
Explore where Chamita ranks among all New Mexico cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Chamita's water comes from
Chamita'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 902 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Chamita
Chamita is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Chamita
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHAMITA MDWCA | NM3500121 | 902 | GW |
How Chamita compares
Full New Mexico rankings →Chamita's score of 65.1/100 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 Chamita, NM
Wikipedia →Ohkay Owingeh, known by its Spanish name as San Juan de los Caballeros, or informally as San Juan Pueblo, a name with official status from 1598 to 2005, is a pueblo in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico. For statistical purposes, the United States Census Bureau has defined that community as a census-designated place (CDP). Ohkay Owingeh is also the federally recognized tribe of Pueblo people inhabiting the town.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Chamita's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Rio Arriba
Frequently asked questions
Is Chamita, NM tap water safe to drink?
Chamita's water quality earned a grade of C+ (65.1/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #61 out of 163 cities tested in New Mexico.
What contaminants are in Chamita's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 57 violations are on record.
How is Chamita'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 Chamita?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Chamita's water come from?
Chamita's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 902 residents.
What health violations has Chamita's water system had?
Chamita has 5 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. 33 violations remain unresolved.
Is Chamita's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Chamita 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 57 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 Chamita's water compare to other cities?
Chamita ranks #61 out of 163 cities in New Mexico (better than 63% of state cities) and #11576 out of 15744 cities nationally (27th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Chamita's small water system affect quality?
Chamita's system serves approximately 902 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 57 violations on record.