Is Espanolal, NM Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 9 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
87/100
waterverge.com Espanolal, NM — Water Quality Report
Espanolal's drinking water received a grade of A- (87 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,500 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.5 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 33 violations on record, including 15 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved.
What to know about Espanolal's water
Espanolal ranks #13 out of 163 cities in New Mexico for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Espanolal 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, Espanolal may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Espanolal, NM water safe to drink?
Espanolal's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (87/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,500 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Espanolal
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Espanolal's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Nitrate-Nitrite.
5 health-based. Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Espanolal's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Espanolal's water system has 33 total violations on record, including 15 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved.
Where does Espanolal's water come from?
Espanolal's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,500 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Espanolal residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Espanolal'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.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
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. | 0.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Espanolal compares by contaminant
Explore where Espanolal ranks among all New Mexico cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Espanolal's water comes from
Espanolal'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 native american ownership and serves approximately 2,500 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Espanolal
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Clara Pueblo | 063500166 | 2,500 | GW |
How Espanolal compares
Full New Mexico rankings →Espanolal's score of 87/100 is above the average of 44/100 among major New Mexico cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View New Mexico rankings →ZIP codes served by Espanolal
The water system serving Espanolal covers 1 ZIP code. Select any ZIP to see which water systems serve that area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Espanolal's water quality findings.
Frequently asked questions
Is Espanolal, NM tap water safe to drink?
Espanolal's water quality earned a grade of A- (87/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #13 out of 163 cities tested in New Mexico.
What contaminants are in Espanolal's water?
Lead was measured at 0.5 ppb (90th percentile). 33 violations are on record.
How is Espanolal'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 Espanolal?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Espanolal's water come from?
Espanolal's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,500 residents.
What health violations has Espanolal's water system had?
Espanolal has 15 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in September 2019. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 9 violations remain unresolved.
Is Espanolal's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Espanolal 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 33 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 Espanolal's water compare to other cities?
Espanolal ranks #13 out of 163 cities in New Mexico (better than 92% of state cities) and #4328 out of 15744 cities nationally (73th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Espanolal's small water system affect quality?
Espanolal's system serves approximately 2,500 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 33 violations on record.