Is Gamerco, NM Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 38 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
70.2/100
waterverge.com Gamerco, NM — Water Quality Report
Gamerco's drinking water received a grade of B- (70.2 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,744 residents using purchased ground water.
Lead levels were measured at 8.3 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 77 violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 38 remain unresolved.
What to know about Gamerco's water
Gamerco ranks #51 out of 163 cities in New Mexico for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Gamerco purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Gamerco may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Gamerco, NM water safe to drink?
Gamerco's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (70.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,744 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Gamerco
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Gamerco's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (70.2/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Asbestos.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4152). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1936). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Gamerco's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Gamerco's water system has 77 total violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 38 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
McKinley County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1972. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies.
Where does Gamerco's water come from?
Gamerco's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,744 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Gamerco residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Gamerco'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.
Gamerco'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 droughtMcKinley 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
McKinley County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1972. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Gamerco'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. | 8.3 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Gamerco compares by contaminant
Explore where Gamerco ranks among all New Mexico cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Gamerco's water comes from
Gamerco purchases its water supply from a regional wholesale provider rather than treating raw water directly.
Water quality depends on both the wholesaler's treatment standards and the condition of Gamerco's local distribution pipes and storage facilities.
Purchased water systems are common in suburban areas and smaller communities that lack the infrastructure for independent treatment.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 1,744 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Gamerco
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GAMERCO WATER & SANITATION | NM3508517 | 1,744 | GWP |
How Gamerco compares
Full New Mexico rankings →Gamerco's score of 70.2/100 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 Gamerco, NM
Wikipedia →Gamerco, also called in Navajo: Łigaiyaaʼáhí, is an unincorporated community and census-designated place in McKinley County, New Mexico, United States. As of the 2020 census the population was 1,343, down from 1,956 in 2010. Gamerco was used as a base for coal mining until the 1960s.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Gamerco's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Mckinley
Frequently asked questions
Is Gamerco, NM tap water safe to drink?
Gamerco's water quality earned a grade of B- (70.2/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #51 out of 163 cities tested in New Mexico.
What contaminants are in Gamerco's water?
Lead was measured at 8.3 ppb (90th percentile). 77 violations are on record.
How is Gamerco'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 Gamerco?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Gamerco's water come from?
Gamerco's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,744 residents.
What health violations has Gamerco's water system had?
Gamerco has 7 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 38 violations remain unresolved.
Is Gamerco's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Gamerco 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 77 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 Gamerco's water compare to other cities?
Gamerco ranks #51 out of 163 cities in New Mexico (better than 69% of state cities) and #10792 out of 15744 cities nationally (32th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Gamerco's small water system affect quality?
Gamerco's system serves approximately 1,744 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 77 violations on record.