Is Ponderosa, NM Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 10 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
79.7/100
waterverge.com Ponderosa, NM — Water Quality Report
Ponderosa's drinking water received a grade of B (79.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 567 residents using ground water under influence.
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 74 violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved.
What to know about Ponderosa's water
Ponderosa ranks #37 out of 163 cities in New Mexico for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Ponderosa 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, Ponderosa may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 12 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Ponderosa, NM water safe to drink?
Ponderosa's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (79.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 567 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Ponderosa
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Ponderosa's water quality assessment. Grade: B (79.7/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Public Notice, Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
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 Ponderosa's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Ponderosa's water system has 74 total violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved. 12 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 Jemez River, Vallecito Creek.
Where does Ponderosa's water come from?
Ponderosa's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 567 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Jemez River (river), Vallecito Creek (river).
What Ponderosa residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Ponderosa'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.
Ponderosa'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 Ponderosa compares by contaminant
Explore where Ponderosa ranks among all New Mexico cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Ponderosa's water comes from
Ponderosa'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 567 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Ponderosa
Ponderosa is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Ponderosa
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PONDEROSA MDWCA | NM3533223 | 567 | GU |
How Ponderosa compares
Full New Mexico rankings →Ponderosa's score of 79.7/100 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 Ponderosa, NM
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Ponderosa's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Sandoval
Frequently asked questions
Is Ponderosa, NM tap water safe to drink?
Ponderosa's water quality earned a grade of B (79.7/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #37 out of 163 cities tested in New Mexico.
What contaminants are in Ponderosa's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 74 violations are on record.
How is Ponderosa'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 Ponderosa?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Ponderosa's water come from?
Ponderosa's water is sourced from Ground water under influence. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 567 residents.
What health violations has Ponderosa's water system had?
Ponderosa has 10 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in March 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 10 violations remain unresolved.
Is Ponderosa's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Ponderosa 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 74 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 Ponderosa's water compare to other cities?
Ponderosa ranks #37 out of 163 cities in New Mexico (better than 77% of state cities) and #8180 out of 15744 cities nationally (48th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Ponderosa's small water system affect quality?
Ponderosa's system serves approximately 567 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 74 violations on record.