Is Cuba, NM Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F, with 97 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
38/100
waterverge.com Cuba, NM — Water Quality Report
Cuba's drinking water received a grade of F (38 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,789 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 7.9 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 156 violations on record, including 49 health-based violations. 97 remain unresolved.
What to know about Cuba's water
Cuba ranks #152 out of 163 cities in New Mexico for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Cuba 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Cuba may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 36 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Cuba, NM water safe to drink?
Cuba's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (38/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,789 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Cuba
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Cuba's water quality assessment. Grade: F (38/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
12 health-based. Contaminants: Groundwater 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 Cuba's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Cuba's water system has 156 total violations on record, including 49 health-based violations. 97 remain unresolved. 36 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.
Where does Cuba's water come from?
Cuba's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,789 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Cuba residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Cuba'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Cuba'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 droughtSandoval 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
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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Cuba'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. | 7.9 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Cuba compares by contaminant
Explore where Cuba ranks among all New Mexico cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Cuba's water comes from
Cuba'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 1,789 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Cuba
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CUBA WATER SYSTEM | NM3509023 | 1,789 | GW |
How Cuba compares
Full New Mexico rankings →Cuba's score of 38/100 is below the average of 44/100 among major New Mexico cities. It outscores 3 of 10 nearby cities. 7 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View New Mexico rankings →About Cuba, NM
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Cuba's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Sandoval
Frequently asked questions
Is Cuba, NM tap water safe to drink?
Cuba's water quality earned a grade of F (38/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #152 out of 163 cities tested in New Mexico.
What contaminants are in Cuba's water?
Lead was measured at 7.9 ppb (90th percentile). 156 violations are on record.
How is Cuba'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 Cuba?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Cuba's water come from?
Cuba's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,789 residents.
What health violations has Cuba's water system had?
Cuba has 49 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in September 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 97 violations remain unresolved.
Is Cuba's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Cuba 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 156 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 Cuba's water compare to other cities?
Cuba ranks #152 out of 163 cities in New Mexico (better than 7% of state cities) and #15380 out of 15744 cities nationally (2th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Cuba's small water system affect quality?
Cuba's system serves approximately 1,789 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 156 violations on record.