Is Polvadera, NM Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 21 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
71.9/100
waterverge.com Polvadera, NM — Water Quality Report
Polvadera's drinking water received a grade of B- (71.9 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,470 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.4 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 210 violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 21 remain unresolved.
What to know about Polvadera's water
Polvadera ranks #46 out of 163 cities in New Mexico for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Polvadera 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, Polvadera 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 Polvadera, NM water safe to drink?
Polvadera's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (71.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,470 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Polvadera
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Polvadera's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (71.9/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence 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 Polvadera's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Polvadera's water system has 210 total violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 21 remain unresolved. 7 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Socorro 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 Rio Grande Floodway, Rio Grande.
Where does Polvadera's water come from?
Polvadera's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,470 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 Floodway (river), Rio Grande (river).
What Polvadera residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Polvadera'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.
Polvadera'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
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Polvadera
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- EAGLE PICHER CAREFREE BATTERY7.1 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtSocorro 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
Socorro 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. | 1.4 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Polvadera compares by contaminant
Explore where Polvadera ranks among all New Mexico cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Polvadera's water comes from
Polvadera'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 2,470 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Polvadera
Polvadera is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Polvadera
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| POLVADERA MDWCA | NM3566628 | 2,470 | GW |
How Polvadera compares
Full New Mexico rankings →Polvadera's score of 71.9/100 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 Polvadera, NM
Wikipedia →Lemitar is a census-designated place in Socorro County, New Mexico, United States. Its population was 330 as of the 2010 census. Lemitar has a post office with ZIP code 87823. Exit 156 on Interstate 25 serves the community.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Polvadera's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Socorro
Frequently asked questions
Is Polvadera, NM tap water safe to drink?
Polvadera's water quality earned a grade of B- (71.9/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #46 out of 163 cities tested in New Mexico.
What contaminants are in Polvadera's water?
Lead was measured at 1.4 ppb (90th percentile). 210 violations are on record.
How is Polvadera'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 Polvadera?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Polvadera's water come from?
Polvadera's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,470 residents.
What health violations has Polvadera's water system had?
Polvadera has 7 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 21 violations remain unresolved.
Is Polvadera's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Polvadera 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 210 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 Polvadera's water compare to other cities?
Polvadera ranks #46 out of 163 cities in New Mexico (better than 72% of state cities) and #10473 out of 15744 cities nationally (34th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Polvadera's small water system affect quality?
Polvadera's system serves approximately 2,470 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 210 violations on record.