Is Cimarron, NM Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 39 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
49/100
waterverge.com Cimarron, NM — Water Quality Report
Cimarron's drinking water received a grade of D (49 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,260 residents using surface water.
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 271 violations on record, including 152 health-based violations. 39 remain unresolved.
What to know about Cimarron's water
Cimarron ranks #86 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, Cimarron may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 75 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Cimarron, NM water safe to drink?
Cimarron's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (49/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,260 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Cimarron
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Cimarron's water quality assessment. Grade: D (49/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment 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 Cimarron's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Cimarron's water system has 271 total violations on record, including 152 health-based violations. 39 remain unresolved. 75 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Colfax County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1965. 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 Cimarron River, Ponil Creek, Rayado Creek.
Where does Cimarron's water come from?
Cimarron's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 3,260 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Cimarron River (river), Ponil Creek (river), Rayado Creek (river).
What Cimarron residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Cimarron'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.
Cimarron'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 droughtColfax 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
Colfax County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1965. 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 Cimarron compares by contaminant
Explore where Cimarron ranks among all New Mexico cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Cimarron's water comes from
Cimarron'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 private ownership and serves approximately 3,260 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Cimarron
Cimarron is located near 3 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Cimarron
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PHILMONT BOY SCOUT RANCH - HEADQUARTERS | NM3530504 | 2,000 | SW |
| CIMARRON WATER SYSTEM | NM3526204 | 1,260 | SW |
How Cimarron compares
Full New Mexico rankings →Cimarron's score of 49/100 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 Cimarron, NM
Wikipedia →Cimarron is a village in Colfax County, New Mexico, United States, which sits on the eastern slopes of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The population was 792 at the 2020 census, making it the fourth most populous municipality in Colfax County.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Cimarron's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Colfax
Frequently asked questions
Is Cimarron, NM tap water safe to drink?
Cimarron's water quality earned a grade of D (49/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #86 out of 163 cities tested in New Mexico.
What contaminants are in Cimarron's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 271 violations are on record.
How is Cimarron'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 Cimarron?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Cimarron's water come from?
Cimarron's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 3,260 residents.
What health violations has Cimarron's water system had?
Cimarron has 152 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. 39 violations remain unresolved.
How does Cimarron's water compare to other cities?
Cimarron ranks #86 out of 163 cities in New Mexico (better than 47% of state cities) and #13327 out of 15744 cities nationally (15th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.