Is Quemado, NM Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
41/100
waterverge.com Quemado, NM — Water Quality Report
Quemado's drinking water received a grade of F (41 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 879 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 176 violations on record, including 57 health-based violations. 82 remain unresolved.
What to know about Quemado's water
Quemado ranks #144 out of 163 cities in New Mexico for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Quemado 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, Quemado may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 41 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Quemado, NM water safe to drink?
Quemado's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (41/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 879 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Quemado
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Quemado's water quality assessment. Grade: F (41/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: 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 Quemado's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Quemado's water system has 176 total violations on record, including 57 health-based violations. 82 remain unresolved. 41 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Catron County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1972. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies.
Where does Quemado's water come from?
Quemado's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 879 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Quemado residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Quemado'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.
Quemado'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 droughtCatron 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
Catron County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1972. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Quemado's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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 |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.60 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.600 mg/L (2002)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Quemado compares by contaminant
Explore where Quemado ranks among all New Mexico cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Quemado's water comes from
Quemado'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 private ownership and serves approximately 879 people through 4 water systems.
Water systems serving Quemado
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| QUEMADO LAKE WATER ASSOCIATION | NM3580202 | 344 | GW |
| QUEMADO MUTUAL WATER & SWA | NM3500202 | 286 | GW |
| COYOTE CREEK MUTUAL DOMESTIC WUA | NM3500402 | 133 | GW |
| SPRING CANYON RANCH | NM3500902 | 116 | GW |
How Quemado compares
Full New Mexico rankings →Quemado's score of 41/100 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 Quemado, NM
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Quemado's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Catron
Frequently asked questions
Is Quemado, NM tap water safe to drink?
Quemado's water quality earned a grade of F (41/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #144 out of 163 cities tested in New Mexico.
What contaminants are in Quemado's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 176 violations are on record.
How is Quemado'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 Quemado?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Quemado's water come from?
Quemado's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 879 residents.
What health violations has Quemado's water system had?
Quemado has 57 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. 82 violations remain unresolved.
Is Quemado's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Quemado 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 176 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 Quemado's water compare to other cities?
Quemado ranks #144 out of 163 cities in New Mexico (better than 12% of state cities) and #15080 out of 15744 cities nationally (4th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.