Is Dixon, NM Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 62 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
51.5/100
waterverge.com Dixon, NM — Water Quality Report
Dixon's drinking water received a grade of D+ (51.5 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 788 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.8 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 120 violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 62 remain unresolved.
What to know about Dixon's water
Dixon ranks #77 out of 163 cities in New Mexico for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Dixon 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, Dixon may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 13 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Dixon, NM water safe to drink?
Dixon's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (51.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 788 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Dixon
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Dixon's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (51.5/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule, Consumer Confidence Rule.
2 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, Lead and Copper 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 Dixon's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Dixon's water system has 120 total violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 62 remain unresolved. 13 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 Rio Grande, Embudo Creek.
Where does Dixon's water come from?
Dixon's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 788 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Rio Grande (river), Embudo Creek (river).
What Dixon residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Dixon'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.
Dixon'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 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.
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. | 0.8 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Dixon compares by contaminant
Explore where Dixon ranks among all New Mexico cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Dixon's water comes from
Dixon'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 788 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Dixon
Dixon is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Dixon
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIXON MDWCA | NM3501421 | 500 | GW |
| RIO EMBUDO MDWCA | NM3500721 | 159 | GW |
| APODACA MDWCA | NM3502621 | 129 | GW |
How Dixon compares
Full New Mexico rankings →Dixon's score of 51.5/100 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 →About Dixon, NM
Wikipedia →Dixon is an unincorporated community located in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico, United States, on New Mexico State Road 75, just east of New Mexico State Road 68, in the north-central part of the state, and is approximately 20 miles (32 km) southwest of Taos. The elevation of Dixon is 6,028 feet (1,837 m) above sea level. It is on the banks of the Embudo Creek, a tributary of the Rio Grande. Embudo Creek flows into the Rio Grande two miles (3.2 km) downstream from Dixon.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Dixon's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Rio Arriba
Frequently asked questions
Is Dixon, NM tap water safe to drink?
Dixon's water quality earned a grade of D+ (51.5/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #77 out of 163 cities tested in New Mexico.
What contaminants are in Dixon's water?
Lead was measured at 0.8 ppb (90th percentile). 120 violations are on record.
How is Dixon'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 Dixon?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Dixon's water come from?
Dixon's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 788 residents.
What health violations has Dixon's water system had?
Dixon has 8 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. 62 violations remain unresolved.
Is Dixon's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Dixon 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 120 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 Dixon's water compare to other cities?
Dixon ranks #77 out of 163 cities in New Mexico (better than 53% of state cities) and #12871 out of 15744 cities nationally (18th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.