Is Penasco, NM Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+, with 56 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
67.6/100
waterverge.com Penasco, NM — Water Quality Report
Penasco's drinking water received a grade of C+ (67.6 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 891 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.7 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 86 violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 56 remain unresolved.
What to know about Penasco's water
Penasco ranks #59 out of 163 cities in New Mexico for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Penasco 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, Penasco may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 7 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Penasco, NM water safe to drink?
Penasco's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (67.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 891 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Penasco
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Penasco's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (67.6/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform 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 Penasco's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Penasco's water system has 86 total violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 56 remain unresolved. 7 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Taos County has experienced 4 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 Rio Grande Del Rancho, Rio Pueblo Nr Penasco.
Where does Penasco's water come from?
Penasco's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 891 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Rio Grande Del Rancho (river), Rio Pueblo Nr Penasco (river).
What Penasco residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Penasco'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.
Penasco'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 droughtTaos 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
Taos County has experienced 4 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. | 2.7 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Penasco compares by contaminant
Explore where Penasco ranks among all New Mexico cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Penasco's water comes from
Penasco'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 891 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Penasco
Penasco is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Penasco
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PENASCO MDWCA | NM3506729 | 549 | GW |
| RIO LUCIO MDWCA | NM3507229 | 342 | GW |
How Penasco compares
Full New Mexico rankings →Penasco's score of 67.6/100 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 Penasco, NM
Wikipedia →Peñasco is a census-designated place (CDP) in Taos County, New Mexico. It is located along the scenic High Road to Taos. The population is estimated at 1,200 (2015).
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Penasco's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Taos
Frequently asked questions
Is Penasco, NM tap water safe to drink?
Penasco's water quality earned a grade of C+ (67.6/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #59 out of 163 cities tested in New Mexico.
What contaminants are in Penasco's water?
Lead was measured at 2.7 ppb (90th percentile). 86 violations are on record.
How is Penasco'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 Penasco?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Penasco's water come from?
Penasco's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 891 residents.
What health violations has Penasco's water system had?
Penasco has 10 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 56 violations remain unresolved.
Is Penasco's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Penasco 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 86 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 Penasco's water compare to other cities?
Penasco ranks #59 out of 163 cities in New Mexico (better than 64% of state cities) and #11215 out of 15744 cities nationally (29th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.