Is Pecos, NM Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 188 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
45/100
waterverge.com Pecos, NM — Water Quality Report
Pecos's drinking water received a grade of D (45 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 2,825 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.0 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 333 violations on record, including 55 health-based violations. 188 remain unresolved.
What to know about Pecos's water
Pecos ranks #106 out of 163 cities in New Mexico for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Pecos 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, Pecos may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 46 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Pecos, NM water safe to drink?
Pecos's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (45/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 2,825 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Pecos
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Pecos's water quality assessment. Grade: D (45/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
4 health-based. Contaminants: Groundwater Rule, Consumer Confidence Rule.
3 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, Lead and Copper Rule, Consumer Confidence Rule.
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 Pecos's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Pecos's water system has 333 total violations on record, including 55 health-based violations. 188 remain unresolved. 46 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
San Miguel County has experienced 5 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 Santa Fe River Above Mcclure Res, Nr Santa Fe, Pecos River.
Where does Pecos's water come from?
Pecos's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 5 water systems serving approximately 2,825 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Santa Fe River Above Mcclure Res, Nr Santa Fe (river), Pecos River (river).
What Pecos residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Pecos'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.
Pecos'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
D2 — severe droughtSan Miguel County is currently in D2 (severe 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 Miguel County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1965. 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. | 2.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Pecos compares by contaminant
Explore where Pecos ranks among all New Mexico cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Pecos's water comes from
Pecos'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 2,825 people through 5 water systems.
Water bodies near Pecos
Pecos is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Pecos
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PECOS WATER SYSTEM | NM3518325 | 2,133 | GW |
| EAST PECOS MDWCA | NM3516925 | 413 | GW |
| LA PASADA MDWCA | NM3517725 | 191 | GW |
| LA CUEVA MDWCA | NM3517625 | 48 | GW |
| LOWER COLONIAS MDWCA | NM3501225 | 40 | GW |
How Pecos compares
Full New Mexico rankings →Pecos's score of 45/100 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 Pecos, NM
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Pecos's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across San Miguel
Frequently asked questions
Is Pecos, NM tap water safe to drink?
Pecos's water quality earned a grade of D (45/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #106 out of 163 cities tested in New Mexico.
What contaminants are in Pecos's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 333 violations are on record.
How is Pecos'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 Pecos?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Pecos's water come from?
Pecos's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 5 water systems serving approximately 2,825 residents.
What health violations has Pecos's water system had?
Pecos has 55 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 188 violations remain unresolved.
Is Pecos's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Pecos 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 333 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 Pecos's water compare to other cities?
Pecos ranks #106 out of 163 cities in New Mexico (better than 35% of state cities) and #14268 out of 15744 cities nationally (9th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.