Is San Miguel, NM Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 45 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
70.5/100
waterverge.com San Miguel, NM — Water Quality Report
San Miguel's drinking water received a grade of B- (70.5 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 774 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 83 violations on record, including 33 health-based violations. 45 remain unresolved.
What to know about San Miguel's water
San Miguel ranks #50 out of 163 cities in New Mexico for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
San Miguel 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 Miguel may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is San Miguel, NM water safe to drink?
San Miguel's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (70.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 774 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for San Miguel
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into San Miguel's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (70.5/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for San Miguel's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
San Miguel's water system has 83 total violations on record, including 33 health-based violations. 45 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does San Miguel's water come from?
San Miguel's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 774 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What San Miguel residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in San Miguel'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.
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.
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 San Miguel compares by contaminant
Explore where San Miguel ranks among all New Mexico cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where San Miguel's water comes from
San Miguel'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 774 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving San Miguel
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ALTO DE LAS FLORES MDWCA | NM3536907 | 695 | GW |
| SAN MIGUEL DEL VADO MDWCA | NM3518925 | 79 | GW |
How San Miguel compares
Full New Mexico rankings →San Miguel's score of 70.5/100 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 San Miguel, NM
Wikipedia →Anthony is a city in Doña Ana County, New Mexico, United States. The population was 8,693 at the 2020 census. It is located on the New Mexico–Texas state line in the Upper Mesilla Valley, and on Interstate 10, 24 miles south of Las Cruces and 18 miles north of El Paso, Texas.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to San Miguel's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Dona Ana
Frequently asked questions
Is San Miguel, NM tap water safe to drink?
San Miguel's water quality earned a grade of B- (70.5/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #50 out of 163 cities tested in New Mexico.
What contaminants are in San Miguel's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 83 violations are on record.
How is San Miguel'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 Miguel?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does San Miguel's water come from?
San Miguel's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 774 residents.
What health violations has San Miguel's water system had?
San Miguel has 33 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. 45 violations remain unresolved.
Is San Miguel's groundwater at risk of contamination?
San Miguel 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 83 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 Miguel's water compare to other cities?
San Miguel ranks #50 out of 163 cities in New Mexico (better than 69% of state cities) and #10732 out of 15744 cities nationally (32th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.