Is El Rito, NM Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
67.6/100
waterverge.com El Rito, NM — Water Quality Report
El Rito's drinking water received a grade of C+ (67.6 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,500 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 4.1 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 121 violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 40 remain unresolved.
What to know about El Rito's water
El Rito ranks #58 out of 163 cities in New Mexico for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
El Rito 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 Rito may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is El Rito, NM water safe to drink?
El Rito's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (67.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,500 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for El Rito
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into El Rito's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (67.6/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
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 Rito's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
El Rito's water system has 121 total violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 40 remain unresolved. 3 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 Ojo Caliente.
Where does El Rito's water come from?
El Rito's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,500 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 Ojo Caliente (river).
What El Rito residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in El Rito'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.
El Rito'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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in El Rito'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. | 4.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.80 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how El Rito compares by contaminant
Explore where El Rito ranks among all New Mexico cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where El Rito's water comes from
El Rito'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 1,500 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near El Rito
El Rito is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving El Rito
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| EL RITO REGIONAL WATER & WASTE WATER ASN | NM3504021 | 1,200 | GW |
| EL RITO CANYON MDWCA | NM3536221 | 300 | GW |
How El Rito compares
Full New Mexico rankings →El Rito's score of 67.6/100 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 El Rito, NM
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to El Rito's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Rio Arriba
Frequently asked questions
Is El Rito, NM tap water safe to drink?
El Rito's water quality earned a grade of C+ (67.6/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #58 out of 163 cities tested in New Mexico.
What contaminants are in El Rito's water?
Lead was measured at 4.1 ppb (90th percentile). 121 violations are on record.
How is El Rito'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 Rito?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does El Rito's water come from?
El Rito's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,500 residents.
What health violations has El Rito's water system had?
El Rito has 10 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2022. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 40 violations remain unresolved.
Is El Rito's groundwater at risk of contamination?
El Rito 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 121 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 Rito's water compare to other cities?
El Rito ranks #58 out of 163 cities in New Mexico (better than 64% of state cities) and #11213 out of 15744 cities nationally (29th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.