Is Fort Sumner, NM Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 76 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
51.3/100
waterverge.com Fort Sumner, NM — Water Quality Report
Fort Sumner's drinking water received a grade of D+ (51.3 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,243 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 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 134 violations on record, including 51 health-based violations. 76 remain unresolved.
What to know about Fort Sumner's water
Fort Sumner ranks #78 out of 163 cities in New Mexico for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Fort Sumner 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, Fort Sumner may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 9 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Fort Sumner, NM water safe to drink?
Fort Sumner's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (51.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,243 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Fort Sumner
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Fort Sumner's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (51.3/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: E. COLI.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Fort Sumner's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Fort Sumner's water system has 134 total violations on record, including 51 health-based violations. 76 remain unresolved. 9 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Fort Sumner's water come from?
Fort Sumner's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,243 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Lake Sumner Nr Fort Sumner (lake), Pecos River Below Sumner Dam (river), Fort Sumner Main Canal (stream), Sand Gate Div From Ft Sumner Canal (stream), Pecos River Below Taiban Creek (river).
What Fort Sumner residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Fort Sumner'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
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtDeBaca County is currently in D2 (severe 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.
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. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Fort Sumner compares by contaminant
Explore where Fort Sumner ranks among all New Mexico cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Fort Sumner's water comes from
Fort Sumner'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 2,243 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Fort Sumner
Fort Sumner is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Fort Sumner
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| FORT SUMNER MUNICIPAL WATER SYSTEM | NM3527706 | 1,789 | GW |
| VALLEY MDWCA | NM3552206 | 454 | GWP |
How Fort Sumner compares
Full New Mexico rankings →Fort Sumner's score of 51.3/100 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 →About Fort Sumner, NM
Wikipedia →Fort Sumner is a village in and the county seat of De Baca County, New Mexico, United States. As of the 2020 census, Fort Sumner had a population of 889. Fort Sumner is the spring and fall home of the Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Fort Sumner's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across De Baca
Frequently asked questions
Is Fort Sumner, NM tap water safe to drink?
Fort Sumner's water quality earned a grade of D+ (51.3/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #78 out of 163 cities tested in New Mexico.
What contaminants are in Fort Sumner's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 134 violations are on record.
How is Fort Sumner'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 Fort Sumner?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Fort Sumner's water come from?
Fort Sumner's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,243 residents.
What health violations has Fort Sumner's water system had?
Fort Sumner has 51 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in May 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 76 violations remain unresolved.
Is Fort Sumner's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Fort Sumner 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 134 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 Fort Sumner's water compare to other cities?
Fort Sumner ranks #78 out of 163 cities in New Mexico (better than 52% of state cities) and #12879 out of 15744 cities nationally (18th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.