Is Tierra Amarilla, NM Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 70 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
45/100
waterverge.com Tierra Amarilla, NM — Water Quality Report
Tierra Amarilla's drinking water received a grade of D (45 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 770 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.8 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 131 violations on record, including 22 health-based violations. 70 remain unresolved.
What to know about Tierra Amarilla's water
Tierra Amarilla ranks #108 out of 163 cities in New Mexico for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Tierra Amarilla 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, Tierra Amarilla may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 14 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Tierra Amarilla, NM water safe to drink?
Tierra Amarilla'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 2 water systems serve approximately 770 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Tierra Amarilla
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Tierra Amarilla's water quality assessment. Grade: D (45/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, Consumer Confidence 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 Tierra Amarilla's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Tierra Amarilla's water system has 131 total violations on record, including 22 health-based violations. 70 remain unresolved. 14 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Rio Arriba County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1973. 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 Brazos, Rio Chama.
Where does Tierra Amarilla's water come from?
Tierra Amarilla's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 770 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 Brazos (river), Rio Chama (river).
What Tierra Amarilla residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Tierra Amarilla'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.
Tierra Amarilla'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
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtRio Arriba 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
Rio Arriba County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1973. 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. | 2.8 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Tierra Amarilla compares by contaminant
Explore where Tierra Amarilla ranks among all New Mexico cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Tierra Amarilla's water comes from
Tierra Amarilla'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 770 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Tierra Amarilla
Tierra Amarilla is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Tierra Amarilla
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| TIERRA AMARILLA MDWCA | NM3503321 | 470 | GW |
| ENSENADA MDWCA | NM3501821 | 300 | GW |
How Tierra Amarilla compares
Full New Mexico rankings →Tierra Amarilla'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 →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Tierra Amarilla's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Rio Arriba
Frequently asked questions
Is Tierra Amarilla, NM tap water safe to drink?
Tierra Amarilla's water quality earned a grade of D (45/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #108 out of 163 cities tested in New Mexico.
What contaminants are in Tierra Amarilla's water?
Lead was measured at 2.8 ppb (90th percentile). 131 violations are on record.
How is Tierra Amarilla'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 Tierra Amarilla?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Tierra Amarilla's water come from?
Tierra Amarilla's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 770 residents.
What health violations has Tierra Amarilla's water system had?
Tierra Amarilla has 22 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in February 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 70 violations remain unresolved.
Is Tierra Amarilla's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Tierra Amarilla 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 131 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 Tierra Amarilla's water compare to other cities?
Tierra Amarilla ranks #108 out of 163 cities in New Mexico (better than 34% of state cities) and #14305 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.