Is San Rafael, NM Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F, with 89 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
42/100
waterverge.com San Rafael, NM — Water Quality Report
San Rafael's drinking water received a grade of F (42 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,060 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 146 violations on record, including 27 health-based violations. 89 remain unresolved.
What to know about San Rafael's water
San Rafael ranks #136 out of 163 cities in New Mexico for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
San Rafael 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 Rafael may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 24 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is San Rafael, NM water safe to drink?
San Rafael's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (42/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,060 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for San Rafael
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into San Rafael's water quality assessment. Grade: F (42/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Chlorine.
Contaminants: Chlorine, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4152). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4047). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for San Rafael's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
San Rafael's water system has 146 total violations on record, including 27 health-based violations. 89 remain unresolved. 24 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Cibola County has experienced 4 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 San Jose.
Where does San Rafael's water come from?
San Rafael's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,060 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 San Jose (river).
What San Rafael residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in San Rafael'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 Rafael'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 San Rafael
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.
- GRANTS CHLORINATED SOLVENTS5.3 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtCibola 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
Cibola County has experienced 4 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 Rafael compares by contaminant
Explore where San Rafael ranks among all New Mexico cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where San Rafael's water comes from
San Rafael'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 1,060 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near San Rafael
San Rafael 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 Rafael
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAN RAFAEL WATER & SANITATION DISTRICT | NM3525833 | 1,060 | GW |
How San Rafael compares
Full New Mexico rankings →San Rafael's score of 42/100 is on par with the average of 44/100 among major New Mexico cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View New Mexico rankings →About San Rafael, NM
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to San Rafael's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Cibola
Frequently asked questions
Is San Rafael, NM tap water safe to drink?
San Rafael's water quality earned a grade of F (42/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #136 out of 163 cities tested in New Mexico.
What contaminants are in San Rafael's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 146 violations are on record.
How is San Rafael'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 Rafael?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does San Rafael's water come from?
San Rafael's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,060 residents.
What health violations has San Rafael's water system had?
San Rafael has 27 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 89 violations remain unresolved.
Is San Rafael's groundwater at risk of contamination?
San Rafael 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 146 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 Rafael's water compare to other cities?
San Rafael ranks #136 out of 163 cities in New Mexico (better than 17% of state cities) and #14911 out of 15744 cities nationally (5th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does San Rafael's small water system affect quality?
San Rafael's system serves approximately 1,060 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 146 violations on record.