Is Reserve, NM Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C-, with 26 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
58.4/100
waterverge.com Reserve, NM — Water Quality Report
Reserve's drinking water received a grade of C- (58.4 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 816 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 40 violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 26 remain unresolved.
What to know about Reserve's water
Reserve ranks #70 out of 163 cities in New Mexico for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Reserve 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, Reserve may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 14 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Reserve, NM water safe to drink?
Reserve's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C- (58.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 816 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Reserve
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Reserve's water quality assessment. Grade: C- (58.4/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: 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 Reserve's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Reserve's water system has 40 total violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 26 remain unresolved. 14 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Catron County has experienced 7 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 San Francisco River.
Where does Reserve's water come from?
Reserve's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 816 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include San Francisco River (river).
What Reserve residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Reserve'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.
Reserve'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 droughtCatron 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
Catron County has experienced 7 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Reserve compares by contaminant
Explore where Reserve ranks among all New Mexico cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Reserve's water comes from
Reserve'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 816 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Reserve
Reserve is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Reserve
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| RESERVE WATER WORKS | NM3523402 | 601 | GW |
| RANCHO GRANDE WATER ASSOCIATION INC | NM3523502 | 215 | GW |
How Reserve compares
Full New Mexico rankings →Reserve's score of 58.4/100 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 Reserve, NM
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Reserve's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Catron
Frequently asked questions
Is Reserve, NM tap water safe to drink?
Reserve's water quality earned a grade of C- (58.4/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #70 out of 163 cities tested in New Mexico.
What contaminants are in Reserve's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 40 violations are on record.
How is Reserve'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 Reserve?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Reserve's water come from?
Reserve's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 816 residents.
What health violations has Reserve's water system had?
Reserve has 10 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 26 violations remain unresolved.
Is Reserve's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Reserve 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 40 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 Reserve's water compare to other cities?
Reserve ranks #70 out of 163 cities in New Mexico (better than 57% of state cities) and #12287 out of 15744 cities nationally (22th percentile). The grade of C- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.