Is Tatum, NM Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 9 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
83.4/100
waterverge.com Tatum, NM — Water Quality Report
Tatum's drinking water received a grade of B+ (83.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 948 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.1 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 24 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved.
What to know about Tatum's water
Tatum ranks #23 out of 163 cities in New Mexico for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Tatum 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, Tatum may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 13 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Tatum, NM water safe to drink?
Tatum's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (83.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 948 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Tatum
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Tatum's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (83.4/100).
Contaminants: Chlorine, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3229). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-945). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Tatum's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Tatum's water system has 24 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved. 13 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Lea County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1992. 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 Tatum's water come from?
Tatum's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 948 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Tatum residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Tatum'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 droughtLea 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
Lea County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1992. 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. | 1.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Tatum compares by contaminant
Explore where Tatum ranks among all New Mexico cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Tatum's water comes from
Tatum'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 948 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Tatum
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| TATUM MUNICIPAL WATER SYSTEM | NM3522013 | 948 | GW |
How Tatum compares
Full New Mexico rankings →Tatum's score of 83.4/100 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 Tatum, NM
Wikipedia →Tatum is a town in Lea County, New Mexico, United States. As of the 2020 census, Tatum had a population of 706.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Tatum's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Lea
Frequently asked questions
Is Tatum, NM tap water safe to drink?
Tatum's water quality earned a grade of B+ (83.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #23 out of 163 cities tested in New Mexico.
What contaminants are in Tatum's water?
Lead was measured at 1.1 ppb (90th percentile). 24 violations are on record.
How is Tatum'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 Tatum?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Tatum's water come from?
Tatum's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 948 residents.
What health violations has Tatum's water system had?
Tatum has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in September 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 9 violations remain unresolved.
Is Tatum's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Tatum 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 24 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 Tatum's water compare to other cities?
Tatum ranks #23 out of 163 cities in New Mexico (better than 86% of state cities) and #6461 out of 15744 cities nationally (59th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Tatum's small water system affect quality?
Tatum's system serves approximately 948 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 24 violations on record.