Is Ranchos De Taos, NM Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F — but Chlorate was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
42/100
waterverge.com Ranchos De Taos, NM — Water Quality Report
Ranchos De Taos's drinking water received a grade of F (42 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 1,628 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 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 227 violations on record, including 98 health-based violations. 138 remain unresolved.
What to know about Ranchos De Taos's water
Ranchos De Taos ranks #134 out of 163 cities in New Mexico for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Ranchos De Taos 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.
Hexavalent chromium (chromium-6) was detected at 0.74 µg/L in UCMR 3 testing. While below California's 10 µg/L limit and with no federal MCL set, residents sensitive to this contaminant may consider reverse osmosis filtration.
As a small community water system, Ranchos De Taos may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 42 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Ranchos De Taos, NM water safe to drink?
Ranchos De Taos'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 4 water systems serve approximately 1,628 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Ranchos De Taos
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Ranchos De Taos's water quality assessment. Grade: F (42/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule, Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule, Lead and Copper Rule.
2 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, Lead and Copper Rule, 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 Ranchos De Taos's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Ranchos De Taos's water system has 227 total violations on record, including 98 health-based violations. 138 remain unresolved. 42 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 Pueblo De Taos, Rio Lucero, Rio Grande Del Rancho, Rio Pueblo De Taos Below Los Cordovas, Rio Grande.
Where does Ranchos De Taos's water come from?
Ranchos De Taos's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 1,628 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 Pueblo De Taos (river), Rio Lucero (river), Rio Grande Del Rancho (river), Rio Pueblo De Taos Below Los Cordovas (river), Rio Grande (river).
What Ranchos De Taos residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Ranchos De Taos'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.
Ranchos De Taos'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 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. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Ranchos De Taos compares by contaminant
Explore where Ranchos De Taos ranks among all New Mexico cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Ranchos De Taos's water comes from
Ranchos De Taos'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 1,628 people through 4 water systems.
Water bodies near Ranchos De Taos
Ranchos De Taos is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Ranchos De Taos
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LLANO QUEMADO MDWCA | NM3506329 | 800 | GW |
| RANCHOS DE TAOS MDWCA | NM3507029 | 750 | GW |
| EL VALLE DE LOS RANCHOS W & SD | NM3503129 | 48 | GWP |
| BMG TRAILER PARK | NM3500129 | 30 | GW |
How Ranchos De Taos compares
Full New Mexico rankings →Ranchos De Taos'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 Ranchos De Taos, NM
Wikipedia →Ranchos de Taos is a census-designated place (CDP) in Taos County, New Mexico, United States. The population was 2,707 at the time of the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Ranchos De Taos's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Taos
Frequently asked questions
Is Ranchos De Taos, NM tap water safe to drink?
Ranchos De Taos's water quality earned a grade of F (42/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #134 out of 163 cities tested in New Mexico.
What contaminants are in Ranchos De Taos's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 227 violations are on record.
How is Ranchos De Taos'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 Ranchos De Taos?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Ranchos De Taos's water come from?
Ranchos De Taos's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 1,628 residents.
What health violations has Ranchos De Taos's water system had?
Ranchos De Taos has 98 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. 138 violations remain unresolved.
Is Ranchos De Taos's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Ranchos De Taos 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 227 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 Ranchos De Taos's water compare to other cities?
Ranchos De Taos ranks #134 out of 163 cities in New Mexico (better than 18% of state cities) and #14905 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.