Is Thoreau High School Compound, NM Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 18 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
50.2/100
waterverge.com Thoreau High School Compound, NM — Water Quality Report
Thoreau High School Compound's drinking water received a grade of D+ (50.2 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 746 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 6.9 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 43 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 18 remain unresolved.
What to know about Thoreau High School Compound's water
Thoreau High School Compound ranks #80 out of 163 cities in New Mexico for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Thoreau High School Compound 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Thoreau High School Compound may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 30 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Thoreau High School Compound, NM water safe to drink?
Thoreau High School Compound's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (50.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 746 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Thoreau High School Compound
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Thoreau High School Compound's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (50.2/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Public Notice, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
2 health-based. Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, 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-1936). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Thoreau High School Compound's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Thoreau High School Compound's water system has 43 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 18 remain unresolved. 30 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
McKinley County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1972. 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 Bluewater Lake.
Where does Thoreau High School Compound's water come from?
Thoreau High School Compound's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 746 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Bluewater Lake (lake).
What Thoreau High School Compound residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Thoreau High School Compound'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Thoreau High School Compound'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
Flood & disaster history
McKinley County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1972. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Thoreau High School Compound's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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. | 6.9 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Thoreau High School Compound compares by contaminant
Explore where Thoreau High School Compound ranks among all New Mexico cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Thoreau High School Compound's water comes from
Thoreau High School Compound'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 746 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Thoreau High School Compound
Thoreau High School Compound is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Thoreau High School Compound
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thoreau High School | NN3510007 | 746 | GW |
How Thoreau High School Compound compares
Full New Mexico rankings →Thoreau High School Compound's score of 50.2/100 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 Thoreau High School Compound, NM
Wikipedia →Thoreau is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in McKinley County, New Mexico, United States. The population was 2,367 at the 2020 census, up from 1,865 in 2010. It is majority Native American, primarily of the Navajo Nation, as Thoreau is located within its boundaries.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Thoreau High School Compound's water quality findings.
Frequently asked questions
Is Thoreau High School Compound, NM tap water safe to drink?
Thoreau High School Compound's water quality earned a grade of D+ (50.2/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #80 out of 163 cities tested in New Mexico.
What contaminants are in Thoreau High School Compound's water?
Lead was measured at 6.9 ppb (90th percentile). 43 violations are on record.
How is Thoreau High School Compound'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 Thoreau High School Compound?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Thoreau High School Compound's water come from?
Thoreau High School Compound's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 746 residents.
What health violations has Thoreau High School Compound's water system had?
Thoreau High School Compound has 6 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 18 violations remain unresolved.
Is Thoreau High School Compound's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Thoreau High School Compound 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 43 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 Thoreau High School Compound's water compare to other cities?
Thoreau High School Compound ranks #80 out of 163 cities in New Mexico (better than 51% of state cities) and #13041 out of 15744 cities nationally (17th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Thoreau High School Compound's small water system affect quality?
Thoreau High School Compound's system serves approximately 746 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 43 violations on record.