Is Kayenta, NM Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 42 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
49.1/100
waterverge.com Kayenta, NM — Water Quality Report
Kayenta's drinking water received a grade of D (49.1 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,375 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 5.0 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 125 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 42 remain unresolved.
What to know about Kayenta's water
Kayenta ranks #85 out of 163 cities in New Mexico for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Kayenta 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, Kayenta may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 33 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Kayenta, NM water safe to drink?
Kayenta's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (49.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,375 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Kayenta
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Kayenta's water quality assessment. Grade: D (49.1/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3229). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Kayenta's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Kayenta's water system has 125 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 42 remain unresolved. 33 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Bernalillo County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster since 2005. 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 Campus Wash, N. Floodway Channel, Hahn Arroyo In Albuquerque, Bear Arroyo, North Pino Arroyo Outfall.
Where does Kayenta's water come from?
Kayenta's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,375 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Campus Wash (river), N. Floodway Channel (river), Hahn Arroyo In Albuquerque (river), Bear Arroyo (river), North Pino Arroyo Outfall (stream).
What Kayenta residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Kayenta'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.
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
Bernalillo County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster since 2005. 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. | 5.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Kayenta compares by contaminant
Explore where Kayenta ranks among all New Mexico cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Kayenta's water comes from
Kayenta'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 private ownership and serves approximately 1,375 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Kayenta
Kayenta is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Kayenta
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kayenta Sandstone Housing | NN0400815 | 1,375 | GW |
How Kayenta compares
Full New Mexico rankings →Kayenta's score of 49.1/100 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 Kayenta, NM
Wikipedia →Albuquerque, also known as ABQ, Burque, Duke City, is the most populous city in the U.S. state of New Mexico, and the county seat of Bernalillo County. Founded in 1706 as La Villa de Alburquerque by Santa Fe de Nuevo México governor Francisco Cuervo y Valdés, and named in honor of Francisco Fernández de la Cueva, 10th Duke of Alburquerque and Viceroy of New Spain, it was an outpost on El Camino Real, linking Mexico City to the northernmost territories of New Spain.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Kayenta's water quality findings.
Frequently asked questions
Is Kayenta, NM tap water safe to drink?
Kayenta's water quality earned a grade of D (49.1/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #85 out of 163 cities tested in New Mexico.
What contaminants are in Kayenta's water?
Lead was measured at 5.0 ppb (90th percentile). 125 violations are on record.
How is Kayenta'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 Kayenta?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Kayenta's water come from?
Kayenta's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,375 residents.
Is Kayenta's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Kayenta 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 125 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 Kayenta's water compare to other cities?
Kayenta ranks #85 out of 163 cities in New Mexico (better than 48% of state cities) and #13279 out of 15744 cities nationally (16th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Kayenta's small water system affect quality?
Kayenta's system serves approximately 1,375 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 125 violations on record.