Is La Plata, NM Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
91.7/100
waterverge.com La Plata, NM — Water Quality Report
La Plata's drinking water received a grade of A (91.7 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,265 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.6 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 7 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about La Plata's water
La Plata ranks #3 out of 163 cities in New Mexico for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
As a small community water system, La Plata may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is La Plata, NM water safe to drink?
La Plata's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (91.7/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,265 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for La Plata
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into La Plata's water quality assessment. Grade: A (91.7/100).
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
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 La Plata's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
La Plata's water system has 7 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
San Juan County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters 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 Animas River, La Plata River.
Where does La Plata's water come from?
La Plata's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,265 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Animas River (river), La Plata River (river).
What La Plata residents can do
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.
La Plata'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 droughtSan Juan 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
San Juan County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters 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. | 0.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how La Plata compares by contaminant
Explore where La Plata ranks among all New Mexico cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where La Plata's water comes from
La Plata's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 2,265 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near La Plata
La Plata is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving La Plata
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| UPPER LA PLATA WATER USERS ASSOCIATION | NM3510624 | 2,265 | SWP |
How La Plata compares
Full New Mexico rankings →La Plata's score of 91.7/100 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 →About La Plata, NM
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to La Plata's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across San Juan
Frequently asked questions
Is La Plata, NM tap water safe to drink?
La Plata's water quality earned a grade of A (91.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #3 out of 163 cities tested in New Mexico.
What contaminants are in La Plata's water?
Lead was measured at 0.6 ppb (90th percentile). 7 violations are on record.
How is La Plata'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 La Plata?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does La Plata's water come from?
La Plata's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,265 residents.
How does La Plata's water compare to other cities?
La Plata ranks #3 out of 163 cities in New Mexico (better than 98% of state cities) and #1532 out of 15744 cities nationally (90th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does La Plata's small water system affect quality?
La Plata's system serves approximately 2,265 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 7 violations on record.