Is Mora, NM Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+, with 24 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
69.6/100
waterverge.com Mora, NM — Water Quality Report
Mora's drinking water received a grade of C+ (69.6 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,100 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 6.0 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 40 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 24 remain unresolved.
What to know about Mora's water
Mora ranks #52 out of 163 cities in New Mexico for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Mora 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Mora may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 8 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Mora, NM water safe to drink?
Mora's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (69.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,100 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Mora
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Mora's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (69.6/100).
Contaminants: E. COLI.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
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 Mora's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Mora's water system has 40 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 24 remain unresolved. 8 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Mora County has experienced 6 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 Mora Creek, Canoncito Ditch, La Sierra Ditch, Rio La Casa Above Cleveland, Mora River.
Where does Mora's water come from?
Mora's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,100 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Mora Creek (river), Canoncito Ditch (river), La Sierra Ditch (stream), Rio La Casa Above Cleveland (river), Mora River (river).
What Mora residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Mora'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.
Mora'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 droughtMora 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
Mora County has experienced 6 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 Mora'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. | 6.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Mora compares by contaminant
Explore where Mora ranks among all New Mexico cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Mora's water comes from
Mora'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 1,100 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Mora
Mora is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Mora
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MORA MDWCA | NM3516218 | 1,100 | GW |
How Mora compares
Full New Mexico rankings →Mora's score of 69.6/100 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 Mora, NM
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Mora's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Mora
Frequently asked questions
Is Mora, NM tap water safe to drink?
Mora's water quality earned a grade of C+ (69.6/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #52 out of 163 cities tested in New Mexico.
What contaminants are in Mora's water?
Lead was measured at 6.0 ppb (90th percentile). 40 violations are on record.
How is Mora'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 Mora?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Mora's water come from?
Mora's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,100 residents.
What health violations has Mora's water system had?
Mora has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in September 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 24 violations remain unresolved.
Is Mora's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Mora 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 40 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 Mora's water compare to other cities?
Mora ranks #52 out of 163 cities in New Mexico (better than 68% of state cities) and #10896 out of 15744 cities nationally (31th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Mora's small water system affect quality?
Mora's system serves approximately 1,100 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 40 violations on record.