Is Ramah, NM Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+, with 75 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
65.1/100
waterverge.com Ramah, NM — Water Quality Report
Ramah's drinking water received a grade of C+ (65.1 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 517 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.5 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 108 violations on record, including 26 health-based violations. 75 remain unresolved.
What to know about Ramah's water
Ramah ranks #62 out of 163 cities in New Mexico for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Ramah 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, Ramah may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Ramah, NM water safe to drink?
Ramah's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (65.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 517 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Ramah
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Ramah's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (65.1/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: 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-1936). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Ramah's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Ramah's water system has 108 total violations on record, including 26 health-based violations. 75 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
McKinley County has experienced 6 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. Local water sources include Rio Nutria.
Where does Ramah's water come from?
Ramah's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 517 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 Nutria (river).
What Ramah residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Ramah'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.
Ramah'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 droughtMcKinley 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
McKinley County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1972. 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. | 1.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Ramah compares by contaminant
Explore where Ramah ranks among all New Mexico cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Ramah's water comes from
Ramah'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 517 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Ramah
Ramah is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Ramah
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| RAMAH WATER & SANITATION DISTRICT | NM3508717 | 517 | GW |
How Ramah compares
Full New Mexico rankings →Ramah's score of 65.1/100 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 Ramah, NM
Wikipedia →Ramah is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in McKinley County, New Mexico. The population was 461 as of the 2020 United States census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Ramah's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Mckinley
Frequently asked questions
Is Ramah, NM tap water safe to drink?
Ramah's water quality earned a grade of C+ (65.1/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #62 out of 163 cities tested in New Mexico.
What contaminants are in Ramah's water?
Lead was measured at 1.5 ppb (90th percentile). 108 violations are on record.
How is Ramah'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 Ramah?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Ramah's water come from?
Ramah's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 517 residents.
What health violations has Ramah's water system had?
Ramah has 26 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. 75 violations remain unresolved.
Is Ramah's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Ramah 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 108 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 Ramah's water compare to other cities?
Ramah ranks #62 out of 163 cities in New Mexico (better than 62% of state cities) and #11578 out of 15744 cities nationally (27th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Ramah's small water system affect quality?
Ramah's system serves approximately 517 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 108 violations on record.