Is Ramah, Pinehill, NM Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F — but Lead and Copper were detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
27.1/100
waterverge.com Ramah, Pinehill, NM — Water Quality Report
Ramah, Pinehill's drinking water received a grade of F (27.1 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,007 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 58.0 ppb (90th percentile), which exceeds the EPA action level of 15 ppb. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 333 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 36 remain unresolved.
What to know about Ramah, Pinehill's water
Ramah, Pinehill ranks #163 out of 163 cities in New Mexico for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Ramah, Pinehill 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.
Lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb, which typically indicates aging lead service lines or lead solder in the distribution system. An NSF 53-certified filter is strongly recommended for drinking and cooking water.
As a small community water system, Ramah, Pinehill may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 39 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Ramah, Pinehill, NM water safe to drink?
Ramah, Pinehill's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (27.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,007 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Ramah, Pinehill
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Ramah, Pinehill's water quality assessment. Grade: F (27.1/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Public Notice.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Ramah, Pinehill's water supply.
Exceeds EPA action level. Lead service line replacement and point-of-use filtration recommended.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Ramah, Pinehill's water system has 333 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 36 remain unresolved. 39 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Ramah, Pinehill's water come from?
Ramah, Pinehill's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,007 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Ramah, Pinehill residents can do
Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Ramah, Pinehill'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Ramah, Pinehill'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. | 58.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Over Limit |
| 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. | 1.50 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.500 mg/L (2025)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Ramah, Pinehill compares by contaminant
Explore where Ramah, Pinehill ranks among all New Mexico cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Ramah, Pinehill's water comes from
Ramah, Pinehill'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 native american ownership and serves approximately 1,007 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Ramah, Pinehill
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pinehill Community and School | NN3500250 | 1,007 | GW |
How Ramah, Pinehill compares
Full New Mexico rankings →Ramah, Pinehill's score of 27.1/100 is below the average of 44/100 among major New Mexico cities. 10 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View New Mexico rankings →About Ramah, Pinehill, NM
Wikipedia →U.S. Route 160 (US 160) is a 1,465-mile-long (2,358 km) east–west United States Numbered Highway in the Midwestern and Western United States. The western terminus of the route is at US 89 five miles (8.0 km) west of Tuba City, Arizona. The eastern terminus is at US 67 and Missouri 158 southwest of Poplar Bluff, Missouri. Its route, if not its number, was made famous in song in 1975, as the road from Wolf Creek Pass to Pagosa Springs, Colorado in C.W. McCall's country music song "Wolf Creek Pass".
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Ramah, Pinehill's water quality findings.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ramah, Pinehill, NM tap water safe to drink?
Ramah, Pinehill's water quality earned a grade of F (27.1/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #163 out of 163 cities tested in New Mexico.
What contaminants are in Ramah, Pinehill's water?
Lead was measured at 58.0 ppb (90th percentile). 333 violations are on record.
How is Ramah, Pinehill'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, Pinehill?
Yes — lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb. We recommend an NSF 53-certified filter or reverse osmosis system. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Ramah, Pinehill's water come from?
Ramah, Pinehill's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,007 residents.
What health violations has Ramah, Pinehill's water system had?
Ramah, Pinehill has 6 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in September 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 36 violations remain unresolved.
Is Ramah, Pinehill's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Ramah, Pinehill 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 333 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, Pinehill's water compare to other cities?
Ramah, Pinehill ranks #163 out of 163 cities in New Mexico (better than 0% of state cities) and #15732 out of 15744 cities nationally (0th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Ramah, Pinehill's small water system affect quality?
Ramah, Pinehill's system serves approximately 1,007 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 333 violations on record.