Is Maxwell, NM Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F — but Lead was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
31/100
waterverge.com Maxwell, NM — Water Quality Report
Maxwell's drinking water received a grade of F (31 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 601 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 17.0 ppb (90th percentile), which exceeds the EPA action level of 15 ppb. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 89 violations on record, including 23 health-based violations. 52 remain unresolved.
What to know about Maxwell's water
Maxwell ranks #162 out of 163 cities in New Mexico for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Maxwell 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.
Lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb, which typically indicates aging lead service lines or lead solder in the distribution system. An NSF 53-certified filter is strongly recommended for drinking and cooking water.
As a small community water system, Maxwell may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 23 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Maxwell, NM water safe to drink?
Maxwell's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (31/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 601 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Maxwell
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Maxwell's water quality assessment. Grade: F (31/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4152). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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 Maxwell's water supply.
Exceeds EPA action level. Lead service line replacement and point-of-use filtration recommended.
Violation history
Maxwell's water system has 89 total violations on record, including 23 health-based violations. 52 remain unresolved. 23 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Colfax County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1965. 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 Cimarron River, Ponil Creek, Rayado Creek.
Where does Maxwell's water come from?
Maxwell's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 601 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Cimarron River (river), Ponil Creek (river), Rayado Creek (river).
What Maxwell residents can do
Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Maxwell'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.
Maxwell'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 droughtColfax 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
Colfax County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1965. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Maxwell'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. | 17.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Maxwell compares by contaminant
Explore where Maxwell ranks among all New Mexico cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Maxwell's water comes from
Maxwell'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 local government ownership and serves approximately 601 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Maxwell
Maxwell is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Maxwell
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAXWELL WATER SYSTEM | NM3526404 | 340 | GW |
| MAXWELL COOPERATIVE WATER USERS ASSOC | NM3510104 | 261 | GW |
How Maxwell compares
Full New Mexico rankings →Maxwell's score of 31/100 is below the average of 44/100 among major New Mexico cities. 10 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View New Mexico rankings →About Maxwell, NM
Wikipedia →Cimarron is a village in Colfax County, New Mexico, United States, which sits on the eastern slopes of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The population was 792 at the 2020 census, making it the fourth most populous municipality in Colfax County.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Maxwell's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Colfax
Frequently asked questions
Is Maxwell, NM tap water safe to drink?
Maxwell's water quality earned a grade of F (31/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #162 out of 163 cities tested in New Mexico.
What contaminants are in Maxwell's water?
Lead was measured at 17.0 ppb (90th percentile). 89 violations are on record.
How is Maxwell'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 Maxwell?
Yes — lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb. We recommend an NSF 53-certified filter or reverse osmosis system. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Maxwell's water come from?
Maxwell's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 601 residents.
What health violations has Maxwell's water system had?
Maxwell has 23 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 52 violations remain unresolved.
Is Maxwell's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Maxwell 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 89 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 Maxwell's water compare to other cities?
Maxwell ranks #162 out of 163 cities in New Mexico (better than 1% of state cities) and #15675 out of 15744 cities nationally (0th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.