WaterVerge

Is Jemez Pueblo, NM Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded A-, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

3K residents served 1 water system PWSID: 063500110
Overall Score
87 / 100
Violations
4 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#12 of 163 in New Mexico Top 28% nationally
Native American
High data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
A-GRADE
Water Quality Grade
87/100
waterverge.com
A- 87/100

Jemez Pueblo, NM — Water Quality Report

Jemez Pueblo's drinking water received a grade of A- (87 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,200 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 1.8 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 42 violations on record, including 14 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Jemez Pueblo's water

Jemez Pueblo ranks #12 out of 163 cities in New Mexico for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.

Jemez Pueblo 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, Jemez Pueblo may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
87 out of 100 Grade A-
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
37/45
B
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 1.8 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
8/10
B
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Jemez Pueblo, NM water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Jemez Pueblo'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 3,200 residents using groundwater (wells).

4
Active Violations
1.8 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
5 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Jemez Pueblo

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Jemez Pueblo's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: Arsenic.

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS, FLOODING, AND MUDSLIDES

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4152). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4079). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Jemez Pueblo's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 1.8 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Jemez Pueblo's water system has 42 total violations on record, including 14 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

MRMCLOther
Most recent violations:
Jul 2024 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Apr 2024 TTHM Resolved
Jul 2019 Arsenic Resolved
Apr 2019 Arsenic Resolved
Jan 2019 Arsenic Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Sandoval County has experienced 5 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 Jemez River, Vallecito Creek.

SEVERE STORMS, FLOODING, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA DR-4152
FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4079
FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4047

Where does Jemez Pueblo's water come from?

Jemez Pueblo's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,200 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Jemez River (river), Vallecito Creek (river).

What Jemez Pueblo residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Jemez Pueblo's water.

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

Jemez Pueblo'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
1.8 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 12% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

42
Total violations
14
Health-based
4
Active / unresolved
Jul 2024
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

42 Total
4 Active
14 Health-based
38 Resolved
Violations by category
Total Coliform Rule
26
Arsenic Rule
7
Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
3
Consumer Confidence Rule
3
Lead and Copper Rule
2
Jul 2024 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Oct 2004 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2004 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Apr 2024 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Jun 2024
Jul 2019 Resolved
Arsenic
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Sep 2019
Apr 2019 Resolved
Arsenic
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Jun 2019
Jan 2019 Resolved
Arsenic
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Mar 2019
Sep 2012 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Sep 2012
Jul 2012 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jul 2012
Apr 2012 Resolved
Arsenic
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Jun 2012
Dec 2011 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2011
Oct 2011 Resolved
Arsenic
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2011
Jul 2011 Resolved
Arsenic
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2011
Jul 2009 Resolved
Arsenic
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2009
Jan 2009 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 2009
Jan 2009 Resolved
TTHM
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 2009
Jan 2008 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jan 2008
Oct 2004 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Oct 2004
Aug 2000 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Aug 2000
Showing 20 of 42 violations
Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

5
Declared disasters
Oct 2013
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Sandoval County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1973. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Oct 2013
SEVERE STORMS, FLOODING, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA #4152
Aug 2012
FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4079
Nov 2011
FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4047
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3229
May 1973
SEVERE STORMS, SNOW MELT & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #380

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 1.8 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has increased by 1.8 ppb from 1994 (0.0 ppb) to 2025 (1.8 ppb).
Contaminant Rankings

See how Jemez Pueblo compares by contaminant

Explore where Jemez Pueblo ranks among all New Mexico cities for specific contaminants.

Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Native American
Population Served
3,200
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Jemez Pueblo's water comes from

Groundwater

Jemez Pueblo'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 3,200 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Jemez Pueblo

Jemez Pueblo is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Jemez River
river
Vallecito Creek
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Jemez Pueblo

System Name PWSID Population Source
Jemez Pueblo 063500110 3,200 GW
Regional Comparison

How Jemez Pueblo compares

Full New Mexico rankings →

Jemez Pueblo's score of 87/100 is above the average of 44/100 among major New Mexico cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.

Jemez Pueblo (this city)
87
Las Cruces
40.1
Santa Fe
35.7
Rio Rancho
83.8
Roswell
45.8
New Mexico avg
44
Service Area

ZIP codes served by Jemez Pueblo

The water system serving Jemez Pueblo covers 1 ZIP code. Select any ZIP to see which water systems serve that area.

City Profile

About Jemez Pueblo, NM

Wikipedia →

Jemez Pueblo is a federally recognized tribe and census-designated place (CDP) in Sandoval County, New Mexico, United States. The population was 1,963 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Albuquerque Metropolitan Statistical Area.

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Frequently asked questions

Is Jemez Pueblo, NM tap water safe to drink?

Jemez Pueblo'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 #12 out of 163 cities tested in New Mexico.

What contaminants are in Jemez Pueblo's water?

Lead was measured at 1.8 ppb (90th percentile). 42 violations are on record.

How is Jemez Pueblo'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 Jemez Pueblo?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Jemez Pueblo's water come from?

Jemez Pueblo's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,200 residents.

What health violations has Jemez Pueblo's water system had?

Jemez Pueblo has 14 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 4 violations remain unresolved.

Is Jemez Pueblo's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Jemez Pueblo 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 42 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 Jemez Pueblo's water compare to other cities?

Jemez Pueblo ranks #12 out of 163 cities in New Mexico (better than 93% of state cities) and #4324 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 Jemez Pueblo's small water system affect quality?

Jemez Pueblo's system serves approximately 3,200 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 42 violations on record.