Is Questa, NM Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F, with 115 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
42/100
waterverge.com Questa, NM — Water Quality Report
Questa's drinking water received a grade of F (42 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,417 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.6 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 164 violations on record, including 38 health-based violations. 115 remain unresolved.
What to know about Questa's water
Questa ranks #132 out of 163 cities in New Mexico for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Questa 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, Questa may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 25 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Questa, NM water safe to drink?
Questa'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 3 water systems serve approximately 2,417 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Questa
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Questa's water quality assessment. Grade: F (42/100).
5 health-based. Contaminants: Groundwater Rule, Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, Consumer Confidence Rule, Lead and Copper 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 Questa's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Questa's water system has 164 total violations on record, including 38 health-based violations. 115 remain unresolved. 25 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, Red River, Red River Below Fish Hatchery,.
Where does Questa's water come from?
Questa's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 2,417 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 (river), Red River (river), Red River Below Fish Hatchery, (river).
What Questa residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Questa'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.
Questa'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 Questa
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.
- CHEVRON QUESTA MINE5.7 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
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. | 0.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Questa compares by contaminant
Explore where Questa ranks among all New Mexico cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Questa's water comes from
Questa'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 2,417 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Questa
Questa is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Questa
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| QUESTA WATER SYSTEM | NM3506829 | 2,337 | GW |
| LA LAMA MDWCA | NM3501129 | 45 | GW |
| EAGLE ROCK VILLAGE | NM3500329 | 35 | GW |
How Questa compares
Full New Mexico rankings →Questa'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 Questa, NM
Wikipedia →Questa is a village in Taos County, New Mexico, United States. As of the 2020 census, Questa had a population of 1,742. The village has trails into the Rio Grande Gorge, trout fishing, and mountain lakes with trails that access the Sangre de Cristo Mountains that overlook the area. Questa is on the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway, near the confluence of the Rio Grande and the Red River. The "Gateway to the Rio Grande del Norte Monument", its visitors can drive to an overlook of the Red River meeting the Rio Grande in the depth of the gorge. The Carson National Forest parallels Questa to the east. The Columbine Hondo Wilderness and Latir Peak Wildness are in the Carson National Forest close to Questa.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Questa's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Taos
Frequently asked questions
Is Questa, NM tap water safe to drink?
Questa's water quality earned a grade of F (42/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #132 out of 163 cities tested in New Mexico.
What contaminants are in Questa's water?
Lead was measured at 0.6 ppb (90th percentile). 164 violations are on record.
How is Questa'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 Questa?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Questa's water come from?
Questa's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 2,417 residents.
What health violations has Questa's water system had?
Questa has 38 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 115 violations remain unresolved.
Is Questa's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Questa 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 164 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 Questa's water compare to other cities?
Questa ranks #132 out of 163 cities in New Mexico (better than 19% of state cities) and #14893 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.