Is Chimayo, NM Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
47.8/100
waterverge.com Chimayo, NM — Water Quality Report
Chimayo's drinking water received a grade of D (47.8 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,202 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.3 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 87 violations on record, including 22 health-based violations. 67 remain unresolved.
What to know about Chimayo's water
Chimayo ranks #89 out of 163 cities in New Mexico for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Chimayo 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, Chimayo may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 12 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Chimayo, NM water safe to drink?
Chimayo's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (47.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,202 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Chimayo
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Chimayo's water quality assessment. Grade: D (47.8/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
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 Chimayo'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
Chimayo's water system has 87 total violations on record, including 22 health-based violations. 67 remain unresolved. 12 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 Santa Cruz River.
Where does Chimayo's water come from?
Chimayo's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,202 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 Cruz River (river).
What Chimayo residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Chimayo'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.
Chimayo'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 Chimayo
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 PLUME7.6 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Chimayo'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. | 2.3 | 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. | 1.80 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Chimayo compares by contaminant
Explore where Chimayo ranks among all New Mexico cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Chimayo's water comes from
Chimayo'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 1,202 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Chimayo
Chimayo is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Chimayo
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GREATER CHIMAYO MDWCA | NM3502426 | 1,050 | GW |
| RIO CHIQUITO MDWCA | NM3504926 | 152 | GW |
How Chimayo compares
Full New Mexico rankings →Chimayo's score of 47.8/100 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 Chimayo, NM
Wikipedia →Chimayo is a census-designated place (CDP) in Rio Arriba and Santa Fe counties in the U.S. state of New Mexico. The name is derived from a Tewa name for a local landmark, the hill of Tsi Mayoh, meaning "good flaking stone" (i.e., obsidian of superior quality. The town is unincorporated and includes many neighborhoods, called plazas or placitas, each with its own name, including El Potrero de Chimayó and the Plaza del Cerro. The cluster of plazas called Chimayo lies near Santa Cruz, approximately 25 miles north of Santa Fe. The population was 3,177 at the 2010 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Chimayo's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Rio Arriba
Frequently asked questions
Is Chimayo, NM tap water safe to drink?
Chimayo's water quality earned a grade of D (47.8/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #89 out of 163 cities tested in New Mexico.
What contaminants are in Chimayo's water?
Lead was measured at 2.3 ppb (90th percentile). 87 violations are on record.
How is Chimayo'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 Chimayo?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Chimayo's water come from?
Chimayo's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,202 residents.
What health violations has Chimayo's water system had?
Chimayo has 22 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. 67 violations remain unresolved.
Is Chimayo's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Chimayo 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 87 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 Chimayo's water compare to other cities?
Chimayo ranks #89 out of 163 cities in New Mexico (better than 45% of state cities) and #13574 out of 15744 cities nationally (14th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.