Is Clayton, NM Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
87.3/100
waterverge.com Clayton, NM — Water Quality Report
Clayton's drinking water received a grade of A- (87.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,250 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 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 7 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Clayton's water
Clayton ranks #9 out of 163 cities in New Mexico for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Clayton 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, Clayton may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Clayton, NM water safe to drink?
Clayton's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (87.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,250 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Clayton
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Clayton's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87.3/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3229). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-380). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Clayton's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Clayton's water system has 7 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 4 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Union County has experienced 2 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.
Where does Clayton's water come from?
Clayton's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,250 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Clayton residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Clayton'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.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Clayton
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Clayton, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
POOLE CHEMICAL CO INC TEXLINE, TX79087 | — | — | 8.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtUnion 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
Union County has experienced 2 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. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Clayton compares by contaminant
Explore where Clayton ranks among all New Mexico cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Clayton's water comes from
Clayton'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 3,250 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Clayton
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CLAYTON MUNICIPAL SUPPLY | NM3527031 | 3,250 | GW |
How Clayton compares
Full New Mexico rankings →Clayton's score of 87.3/100 is above the average of 44/100 among major New Mexico cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View New Mexico rankings →About Clayton, NM
Wikipedia →Clayton is a town in and the county seat of Union County, New Mexico, United States. As of the 2020 census, Clayton had a population of 2,643.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Clayton's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Union
Frequently asked questions
Is Clayton, NM tap water safe to drink?
Clayton's water quality earned a grade of A- (87.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #9 out of 163 cities tested in New Mexico.
What contaminants are in Clayton's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 7 violations are on record.
How is Clayton'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 Clayton?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Clayton's water come from?
Clayton's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,250 residents.
What health violations has Clayton's water system had?
Clayton has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 4 violations remain unresolved.
Is Clayton's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Clayton 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 7 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 Clayton's water compare to other cities?
Clayton ranks #9 out of 163 cities in New Mexico (better than 94% of state cities) and #4132 out of 15744 cities nationally (74th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Clayton's small water system affect quality?
Clayton's system serves approximately 3,250 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 7 violations on record.