Is Cochiti, NM Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 11 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
81/100
waterverge.com Cochiti, NM — Water Quality Report
Cochiti's drinking water received a grade of B+ (81 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,650 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.5 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 31 violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved.
What to know about Cochiti's water
Cochiti ranks #32 out of 163 cities in New Mexico for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Cochiti 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, Cochiti may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 6 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Cochiti, NM water safe to drink?
Cochiti's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (81/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,650 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Cochiti
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Cochiti's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (81/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform 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-4079). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Cochiti's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Cochiti's water system has 31 total violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved. 6 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Sandoval County has experienced 5 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 Cochiti East Side Main Canal, Sile Main Canal (At Head), Santa Fe River Above Cochiti Lake, Cochiti Lake, Rio Grande Below Cochiti Dam.
Where does Cochiti's water come from?
Cochiti's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,650 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Cochiti East Side Main Canal (stream), Sile Main Canal (At Head) (stream), Santa Fe River Above Cochiti Lake (river), Cochiti Lake (lake), Rio Grande Below Cochiti Dam (river).
What Cochiti residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Cochiti'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.
Cochiti'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
Flood & disaster history
Sandoval County has experienced 5 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. | 0.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Cochiti compares by contaminant
Explore where Cochiti ranks among all New Mexico cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Cochiti's water comes from
Cochiti'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 native american ownership and serves approximately 1,650 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Cochiti
Cochiti is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Cochiti
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cochiti Pueblo | 063500108 | 1,200 | GW |
| Cochiti Lake | 063568423 | 450 | GW |
How Cochiti compares
Full New Mexico rankings →Cochiti's score of 81/100 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 →ZIP codes served by Cochiti
The water systems serving Cochiti cover 1 ZIP code. Select any ZIP to see which water systems serve that area.
About Cochiti, NM
Wikipedia →Cochiti is a census-designated place (CDP) in Sandoval County, New Mexico, United States. The Pueblo of Cochiti is a federally recognized tribe of Pueblo people.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Cochiti's water quality findings.
Frequently asked questions
Is Cochiti, NM tap water safe to drink?
Cochiti's water quality earned a grade of B+ (81/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #32 out of 163 cities tested in New Mexico.
What contaminants are in Cochiti's water?
Lead was measured at 0.5 ppb (90th percentile). 31 violations are on record.
How is Cochiti'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 Cochiti?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Cochiti's water come from?
Cochiti's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,650 residents.
What health violations has Cochiti's water system had?
Cochiti has 10 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 11 violations remain unresolved.
Is Cochiti's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Cochiti 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 31 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 Cochiti's water compare to other cities?
Cochiti ranks #32 out of 163 cities in New Mexico (better than 80% of state cities) and #7635 out of 15744 cities nationally (52th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.