Is Red River, NM Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 13 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
77/100
waterverge.com Red River, NM — Water Quality Report
Red River's drinking water received a grade of B (77 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 679 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 6.0 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 22 violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 13 remain unresolved.
What to know about Red River's water
Red River ranks #39 out of 163 cities in New Mexico for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Red River 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Red River may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Red River, NM water safe to drink?
Red River's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (77/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 679 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Red River
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Red River's water quality assessment. Grade: B (77/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: E. COLI.
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 Red River's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Red River's water system has 22 total violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 13 remain unresolved. 3 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 Red River's water come from?
Red River's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 679 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 Red River residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Red River'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.
Red River'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 Red River
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 MINE4.4 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Red River'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. | 6.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Red River compares by contaminant
Explore where Red River ranks among all New Mexico cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Red River's water comes from
Red River'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 679 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Red River
Red River is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Red River
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| RED RIVER WATER SYSTEM | NM3507129 | 679 | GW |
How Red River compares
Full New Mexico rankings →Red River's score of 77/100 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 Red River, 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 Red River's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Taos
Frequently asked questions
Is Red River, NM tap water safe to drink?
Red River's water quality earned a grade of B (77/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #39 out of 163 cities tested in New Mexico.
What contaminants are in Red River's water?
Lead was measured at 6.0 ppb (90th percentile). 22 violations are on record.
How is Red River'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 Red River?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Red River's water come from?
Red River's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 679 residents.
What health violations has Red River's water system had?
Red River has 11 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 13 violations remain unresolved.
Is Red River's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Red River 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 22 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 Red River's water compare to other cities?
Red River ranks #39 out of 163 cities in New Mexico (better than 76% of state cities) and #9146 out of 15744 cities nationally (42th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Red River's small water system affect quality?
Red River's system serves approximately 679 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 22 violations on record.