Is Santa Rosa, NM Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 44 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
45/100
waterverge.com Santa Rosa, NM — Water Quality Report
Santa Rosa's drinking water received a grade of D (45 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 2,855 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 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 76 violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 44 remain unresolved.
What to know about Santa Rosa's water
Santa Rosa ranks #105 out of 163 cities in New Mexico for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Santa Rosa 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, Santa Rosa may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 27 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Santa Rosa, NM water safe to drink?
Santa Rosa's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (45/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 2,855 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Santa Rosa
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Santa Rosa's water quality assessment. Grade: D (45/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform 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 Santa Rosa's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Santa Rosa's water system has 76 total violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 44 remain unresolved. 27 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Guadalupe County has experienced 2 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 Pecos River Above Santa Rosa Lake, Santa Rosa Lake Nr Santa Rosa, N.M., Pecos River Below Santa Rosa Dam.
Where does Santa Rosa's water come from?
Santa Rosa's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 2,855 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Pecos River Above Santa Rosa Lake (river), Santa Rosa Lake Nr Santa Rosa, N.M. (lake), Pecos River Below Santa Rosa Dam (river).
What Santa Rosa residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Santa Rosa'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 droughtGuadalupe 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
Guadalupe County has experienced 2 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. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Santa Rosa compares by contaminant
Explore where Santa Rosa ranks among all New Mexico cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Santa Rosa's water comes from
Santa Rosa'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 2,855 people through 4 water systems.
Water bodies near Santa Rosa
Santa Rosa is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Santa Rosa
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SANTA ROSA WATER SUPPLY | NM3515010 | 2,681 | GW |
| HOLLYWOOD RANCH DOMESTIC WUA | NM3500410 | 79 | GWP |
| RIVERAS MDWUA | NM3566510 | 60 | GWP |
| RIO PECOS VILLA MDWCA | NM3547010 | 35 | GWP |
How Santa Rosa compares
Full New Mexico rankings →Santa Rosa's score of 45/100 is on par with the average of 44/100 among major New Mexico cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View New Mexico rankings →About Santa Rosa, NM
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Santa Rosa's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Guadalupe
Frequently asked questions
Is Santa Rosa, NM tap water safe to drink?
Santa Rosa's water quality earned a grade of D (45/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #105 out of 163 cities tested in New Mexico.
What contaminants are in Santa Rosa's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 76 violations are on record.
How is Santa Rosa'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 Santa Rosa?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Santa Rosa's water come from?
Santa Rosa's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 2,855 residents.
What health violations has Santa Rosa's water system had?
Santa Rosa has 7 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. 44 violations remain unresolved.
Is Santa Rosa's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Santa Rosa 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 76 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 Santa Rosa's water compare to other cities?
Santa Rosa ranks #105 out of 163 cities in New Mexico (better than 36% of state cities) and #14267 out of 15744 cities nationally (9th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.