Is Ilfeld, NM Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 75 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
51.7/100
waterverge.com Ilfeld, NM — Water Quality Report
Ilfeld's drinking water received a grade of D+ (51.7 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 736 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 113 violations on record, including 14 health-based violations. 75 remain unresolved.
What to know about Ilfeld's water
Ilfeld ranks #76 out of 163 cities in New Mexico for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Ilfeld 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, Ilfeld may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 10 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Ilfeld, NM water safe to drink?
Ilfeld's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (51.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 736 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Ilfeld
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Ilfeld's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (51.7/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
2 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, Lead and Copper Rule, Consumer Confidence 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 Ilfeld's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Ilfeld's water system has 113 total violations on record, including 14 health-based violations. 75 remain unresolved. 10 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
San Miguel County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1965. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies.
Where does Ilfeld's water come from?
Ilfeld's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 736 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Ilfeld residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Ilfeld'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.
Ilfeld'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
D2 — severe droughtSan Miguel County is currently in D2 (severe 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
San Miguel County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1965. 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 Ilfeld compares by contaminant
Explore where Ilfeld ranks among all New Mexico cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Ilfeld's water comes from
Ilfeld'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 736 people through 3 water systems.
Water systems serving Ilfeld
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ILFELD MDWCA | NM3500125 | 400 | GW |
| SAN JOSE MDWCA | NM3518825 | 200 | GW |
| SAN JUAN MDWCA | NM3519125 | 136 | GW |
How Ilfeld compares
Full New Mexico rankings →Ilfeld's score of 51.7/100 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 Ilfeld, NM
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Ilfeld's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across San Miguel
Frequently asked questions
Is Ilfeld, NM tap water safe to drink?
Ilfeld's water quality earned a grade of D+ (51.7/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #76 out of 163 cities tested in New Mexico.
What contaminants are in Ilfeld's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 113 violations are on record.
How is Ilfeld'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 Ilfeld?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Ilfeld's water come from?
Ilfeld's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 736 residents.
What health violations has Ilfeld's water system had?
Ilfeld has 14 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. 75 violations remain unresolved.
Is Ilfeld's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Ilfeld 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 113 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 Ilfeld's water compare to other cities?
Ilfeld ranks #76 out of 163 cities in New Mexico (better than 53% of state cities) and #12856 out of 15744 cities nationally (18th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.