Is Navajo Dam, NM Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F, with 165 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
44/100
waterverge.com Navajo Dam, NM — Water Quality Report
Navajo Dam's drinking water received a grade of F (44 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 589 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 3.3 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 464 violations on record, including 97 health-based violations. 165 remain unresolved.
What to know about Navajo Dam's water
Navajo Dam ranks #118 out of 163 cities in New Mexico for water quality, placing it below average 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, Navajo Dam may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 90 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Navajo Dam, NM water safe to drink?
Navajo Dam's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (44/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 589 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Navajo Dam
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Navajo Dam's water quality assessment. Grade: F (44/100).
Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule, Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Surface Water Treatment Rule, Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Consumer Confidence Rule, Lead and Copper Rule.
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 Navajo Dam's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Navajo Dam's water system has 464 total violations on record, including 97 health-based violations. 165 remain unresolved. 90 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 San Juan River.
Where does Navajo Dam's water come from?
Navajo Dam's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 589 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include San Juan River (river).
What Navajo Dam residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Navajo Dam'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.
Navajo Dam'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. | 3.3 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Navajo Dam compares by contaminant
Explore where Navajo Dam ranks among all New Mexico cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Navajo Dam's water comes from
Navajo Dam'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 589 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Navajo Dam
Navajo Dam is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Navajo Dam
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NAVAJO DAM DOMESTIC WATER CONSUMERS INC | NM3536724 | 545 | SW |
| PINE RIVER MDCA | NM3501024 | 44 | GU |
How Navajo Dam compares
Full New Mexico rankings →Navajo Dam's score of 44/100 is on par with the average of 44/100 among major New Mexico cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View New Mexico rankings →About Navajo Dam, NM
Wikipedia →Navajo Dam is a census-designated place in San Juan County, New Mexico, United States. Its population was 253 as of the 2020 census. Navajo Dam has a post office with ZIP code 87419. The community is located in the vicinity of Navajo Dam.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Navajo Dam's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across San Juan
Frequently asked questions
Is Navajo Dam, NM tap water safe to drink?
Navajo Dam's water quality earned a grade of F (44/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #118 out of 163 cities tested in New Mexico.
What contaminants are in Navajo Dam's water?
Lead was measured at 3.3 ppb (90th percentile). 464 violations are on record.
How is Navajo Dam'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 Navajo Dam?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Navajo Dam's water come from?
Navajo Dam's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 589 residents.
What health violations has Navajo Dam's water system had?
Navajo Dam has 97 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 165 violations remain unresolved.
How does Navajo Dam's water compare to other cities?
Navajo Dam ranks #118 out of 163 cities in New Mexico (better than 28% of state cities) and #14495 out of 15744 cities nationally (8th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.