Is Eagle Nest, NM Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+, with 11 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
68.9/100
waterverge.com Eagle Nest, NM — Water Quality Report
Eagle Nest's drinking water received a grade of C+ (68.9 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 613 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.7 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 18 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved.
What to know about Eagle Nest's water
Eagle Nest ranks #54 out of 163 cities in New Mexico for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Eagle Nest 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, Eagle Nest may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 7 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Eagle Nest, NM water safe to drink?
Eagle Nest's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (68.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 613 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Eagle Nest
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Eagle Nest's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (68.9/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence 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 Eagle Nest's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Eagle Nest's water system has 18 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved. 7 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Colfax County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1965. 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 Eagle Nest Lake Nr Eagle Nest, Cimarron River Below Eagle Nest Dam.
Where does Eagle Nest's water come from?
Eagle Nest's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 613 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Eagle Nest Lake Nr Eagle Nest (lake), Cimarron River Below Eagle Nest Dam (river).
What Eagle Nest residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Eagle Nest'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.
Eagle Nest'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 droughtColfax 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
Colfax County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1965. 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. | 1.7 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Eagle Nest compares by contaminant
Explore where Eagle Nest ranks among all New Mexico cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Eagle Nest's water comes from
Eagle Nest'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 613 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Eagle Nest
Eagle Nest is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Eagle Nest
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| VILLAGE OF EAGLE NEST | NM3531804 | 613 | GW |
How Eagle Nest compares
Full New Mexico rankings →Eagle Nest's score of 68.9/100 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 Eagle Nest, NM
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Eagle Nest's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Colfax
Frequently asked questions
Is Eagle Nest, NM tap water safe to drink?
Eagle Nest's water quality earned a grade of C+ (68.9/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #54 out of 163 cities tested in New Mexico.
What contaminants are in Eagle Nest's water?
Lead was measured at 1.7 ppb (90th percentile). 18 violations are on record.
How is Eagle Nest'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 Eagle Nest?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Eagle Nest's water come from?
Eagle Nest's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 613 residents.
What health violations has Eagle Nest's water system had?
Eagle Nest has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in March 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 11 violations remain unresolved.
Is Eagle Nest's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Eagle Nest 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 18 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 Eagle Nest's water compare to other cities?
Eagle Nest ranks #54 out of 163 cities in New Mexico (better than 67% of state cities) and #11007 out of 15744 cities nationally (30th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Eagle Nest's small water system affect quality?
Eagle Nest's system serves approximately 613 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 18 violations on record.