Is Dulce, NM Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 7 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
73.3/100
waterverge.com Dulce, NM — Water Quality Report
Dulce's drinking water received a grade of B- (73.3 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,064 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 2.0 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 157 violations on record, including 77 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Dulce's water
Dulce ranks #44 out of 163 cities in New Mexico for water quality, placing it mid-range 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, Dulce may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Dulce, NM water safe to drink?
Dulce's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (73.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,064 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Dulce
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Dulce's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (73.3/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Long Term 2 Enhanced 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 Dulce's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Dulce's water system has 157 total violations on record, including 77 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
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.
Where does Dulce's water come from?
Dulce's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,064 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Dulce residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Dulce'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.
Dulce'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
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. | 2.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Dulce compares by contaminant
Explore where Dulce ranks among all New Mexico cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Dulce's water comes from
Dulce'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 native american ownership and serves approximately 3,064 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Dulce
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jicarilla Dulce | 063500006 | 3,064 | SW |
How Dulce compares
Full New Mexico rankings →Dulce's score of 73.3/100 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 Dulce
The water system serving Dulce covers 1 ZIP code. Select any ZIP to see which water systems serve that area.
About Dulce, NM
Wikipedia →Dulce is a census-designated place (CDP) in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico, United States. The population was 2,743 at the 2010 census, almost entirely Native American. It is the largest community and tribal headquarters of the Jicarilla Apache Reservation.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Dulce's water quality findings.
Frequently asked questions
Is Dulce, NM tap water safe to drink?
Dulce's water quality earned a grade of B- (73.3/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #44 out of 163 cities tested in New Mexico.
What contaminants are in Dulce's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 157 violations are on record.
How is Dulce'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 Dulce?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Dulce's water come from?
Dulce's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,064 residents.
What health violations has Dulce's water system had?
Dulce has 77 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in May 2019. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 7 violations remain unresolved.
How does Dulce's water compare to other cities?
Dulce ranks #44 out of 163 cities in New Mexico (better than 73% of state cities) and #10102 out of 15744 cities nationally (36th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Dulce's small water system affect quality?
Dulce's system serves approximately 3,064 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 157 violations on record.