Is El Prado, NM Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 95 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
45/100
waterverge.com El Prado, NM — Water Quality Report
El Prado's drinking water received a grade of D (45 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 1,277 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 159 violations on record, including 39 health-based violations. 95 remain unresolved.
What to know about El Prado's water
El Prado ranks #107 out of 163 cities in New Mexico for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
El Prado 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, El Prado may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 21 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is El Prado, NM water safe to drink?
El Prado's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (45/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 1,277 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for El Prado
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into El Prado's water quality assessment. Grade: D (45/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule, Lead and Copper Rule.
3 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, Consumer Confidence Rule, Lead and Copper Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Groundwater 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 El Prado's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
El Prado's water system has 159 total violations on record, including 39 health-based violations. 95 remain unresolved. 21 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Taos 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 Hondo, Rio Pueblo De Taos, Rio Lucero, Rio Grande Del Rancho, Rio Pueblo De Taos Below Los Cordovas.
Where does El Prado's water come from?
El Prado's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 1,277 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 Hondo (river), Rio Pueblo De Taos (river), Rio Lucero (river), Rio Grande Del Rancho (river), Rio Pueblo De Taos Below Los Cordovas (river).
What El Prado residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in El Prado'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.
El Prado'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 droughtTaos 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
Taos 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how El Prado compares by contaminant
Explore where El Prado ranks among all New Mexico cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where El Prado's water comes from
El Prado'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 1,277 people through 4 water systems.
Water bodies near El Prado
El Prado is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving El Prado
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| EL PRADO WATER & SANITATION DISTRICT | NM3515029 | 1,076 | GW |
| SANCHEZ MOBILE HOME PARK | NM3500529 | 80 | GW |
| EL RANCHO MHP TAOS | NM3500629 | 72 | GW |
| LAS COLONIAS MHP | NM3510429 | 49 | GW |
How El Prado compares
Full New Mexico rankings →El Prado's score of 45/100 is on par with the average of 44/100 among major New Mexico cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View New Mexico rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to El Prado's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Taos
Frequently asked questions
Is El Prado, NM tap water safe to drink?
El Prado's water quality earned a grade of D (45/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #107 out of 163 cities tested in New Mexico.
What contaminants are in El Prado's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 159 violations are on record.
How is El Prado'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 El Prado?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does El Prado's water come from?
El Prado's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 1,277 residents.
What health violations has El Prado's water system had?
El Prado has 39 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 95 violations remain unresolved.
Is El Prado's groundwater at risk of contamination?
El Prado 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 159 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 El Prado's water compare to other cities?
El Prado ranks #107 out of 163 cities in New Mexico (better than 34% of state cities) and #14288 out of 15744 cities nationally (9th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.