Is San Antonio, NM Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 7 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
83.9/100
waterverge.com San Antonio, NM — Water Quality Report
San Antonio's drinking water received a grade of B+ (83.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,344 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.0 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 15 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about San Antonio's water
San Antonio ranks #18 out of 163 cities in New Mexico for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
San Antonio 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, San Antonio may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is San Antonio, NM water safe to drink?
San Antonio's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (83.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,344 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for San Antonio
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into San Antonio's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (83.9/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Chlorine.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Public Notice, E. COLI.
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 San Antonio's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
San Antonio's water system has 15 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 7 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Socorro County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 2005. 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 Above Us Hwy 380 Nr San Antonio.
Where does San Antonio's water come from?
San Antonio's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,344 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 Above Us Hwy 380 Nr San Antonio (river).
What San Antonio residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in San Antonio'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.
San Antonio'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 droughtSocorro 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
Socorro County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 2005. 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. | 2.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how San Antonio compares by contaminant
Explore where San Antonio ranks among all New Mexico cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where San Antonio's water comes from
San Antonio'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 1,344 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near San Antonio
San Antonio is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving San Antonio
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAN ANTONIO MDWCA | NM3573928 | 1,344 | GW |
How San Antonio compares
Full New Mexico rankings →San Antonio's score of 83.9/100 is above the average of 44/100 among major New Mexico cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View New Mexico rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to San Antonio's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Socorro
Frequently asked questions
Is San Antonio, NM tap water safe to drink?
San Antonio's water quality earned a grade of B+ (83.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #18 out of 163 cities tested in New Mexico.
What contaminants are in San Antonio's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 15 violations are on record.
How is San Antonio'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 San Antonio?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does San Antonio's water come from?
San Antonio's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,344 residents.
What health violations has San Antonio's water system had?
San Antonio has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 7 violations remain unresolved.
Is San Antonio's groundwater at risk of contamination?
San Antonio 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 15 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 San Antonio's water compare to other cities?
San Antonio ranks #18 out of 163 cities in New Mexico (better than 89% of state cities) and #6191 out of 15744 cities nationally (61th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does San Antonio's small water system affect quality?
San Antonio's system serves approximately 1,344 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 15 violations on record.