Is Pena Blanca, NM Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F, with 104 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
42/100
waterverge.com Pena Blanca, NM — Water Quality Report
Pena Blanca's drinking water received a grade of F (42 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 854 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 165 violations on record, including 33 health-based violations. 104 remain unresolved.
What to know about Pena Blanca's water
Pena Blanca ranks #137 out of 163 cities in New Mexico for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Pena Blanca 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, Pena Blanca may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 28 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Pena Blanca, NM water safe to drink?
Pena Blanca's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (42/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 854 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Pena Blanca
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Pena Blanca's water quality assessment. Grade: F (42/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
2 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-4079). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Pena Blanca's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Pena Blanca's water system has 165 total violations on record, including 33 health-based violations. 104 remain unresolved. 28 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Sandoval County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1973. 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 Cochiti East Side Main Canal, Sile Main Canal (At Head), Santa Fe River Above Cochiti Lake, Cochiti Lake, Rio Grande Below Cochiti Dam.
Where does Pena Blanca's water come from?
Pena Blanca's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 854 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Cochiti East Side Main Canal (stream), Sile Main Canal (At Head) (stream), Santa Fe River Above Cochiti Lake (river), Cochiti Lake (lake), Rio Grande Below Cochiti Dam (river).
What Pena Blanca residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Pena Blanca'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.
Pena Blanca'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 droughtSandoval 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
Sandoval County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1973. 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Pena Blanca compares by contaminant
Explore where Pena Blanca ranks among all New Mexico cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Pena Blanca's water comes from
Pena Blanca'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 854 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Pena Blanca
Pena Blanca is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Pena Blanca
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PENA BLANCA WATER & SANITATION DISTRICT | NM3531623 | 700 | GW |
| SILE MDWCA | NM3543723 | 154 | GW |
How Pena Blanca compares
Full New Mexico rankings →Pena Blanca's score of 42/100 is on par with the average of 44/100 among major New Mexico cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View New Mexico rankings →About Pena Blanca, NM
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Pena Blanca's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Sandoval
Frequently asked questions
Is Pena Blanca, NM tap water safe to drink?
Pena Blanca's water quality earned a grade of F (42/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #137 out of 163 cities tested in New Mexico.
What contaminants are in Pena Blanca's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 165 violations are on record.
How is Pena Blanca'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 Pena Blanca?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Pena Blanca's water come from?
Pena Blanca's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 854 residents.
What health violations has Pena Blanca's water system had?
Pena Blanca has 33 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. 104 violations remain unresolved.
Is Pena Blanca's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Pena Blanca 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 165 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 Pena Blanca's water compare to other cities?
Pena Blanca ranks #137 out of 163 cities in New Mexico (better than 16% of state cities) and #14916 out of 15744 cities nationally (5th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.