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 ↓
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.
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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Jemez Pueblo, NM water safe to drink?
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).
Recent water quality updates for Jemez Pueblo
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Jemez Pueblo's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Arsenic.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4152). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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.
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.
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.
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
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Jemez Pueblo'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.
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.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Flood & disaster history
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.
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. | 1.8 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Jemez Pueblo compares by contaminant
Explore where Jemez Pueblo ranks among all New Mexico cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Jemez Pueblo's water comes from
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.
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.
Water systems serving Jemez Pueblo
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jemez Pueblo | 063500110 | 3,200 | GW |
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.
Nearby cities
View New Mexico rankings →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.
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.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Jemez Pueblo's water quality findings.
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.