Is Tijeras, NM Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F — but Lead was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
33/100
waterverge.com Tijeras, NM — Water Quality Report
Tijeras's drinking water received a grade of F (33 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 9 water systems serve approximately 2,072 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 21.0 ppb (90th percentile), which exceeds the EPA action level of 15 ppb. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 920 violations on record, including 181 health-based violations. 281 remain unresolved.
What to know about Tijeras's water
Tijeras ranks #160 out of 163 cities in New Mexico for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Tijeras 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.
Lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb, which typically indicates aging lead service lines or lead solder in the distribution system. An NSF 53-certified filter is strongly recommended for drinking and cooking water.
As a small community water system, Tijeras may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 119 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Tijeras, NM water safe to drink?
Tijeras's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (33/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 9 water systems serve approximately 2,072 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Tijeras
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Tijeras's water quality assessment. Grade: F (33/100).
2 health-based. Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule, Lead and Copper Rule, Fluoride.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
3 health-based. Contaminants: Public Notice, Consumer Confidence Rule, Fluoride.
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 Tijeras's water supply.
Exceeds EPA action level. Lead service line replacement and point-of-use filtration recommended.
Violation history
Tijeras's water system has 920 total violations on record, including 181 health-based violations. 281 remain unresolved. 119 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Bernalillo County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster 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 Embudo Arroyo, Tijeras Arroyo.
Where does Tijeras's water come from?
Tijeras's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 9 water systems serving approximately 2,072 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Embudo Arroyo (river), Tijeras Arroyo (river).
What Tijeras residents can do
Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Tijeras'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.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Tijeras
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Tijeras, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 82 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
US DOD USAF KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE KIRTLAND AFB, NM871170001 | Lead | 82 | 9.9 mi |
GCC RIO GRANDE INC TIJERAS, NM87059 | — | — | 0.9 mi |
SOLAERO TECHNOLOGIES CORP ALBUQUERQUE, NM87123 | — | — | 8.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtBernalillo 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
Bernalillo County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster since 2005. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Tijeras'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. | 21.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Tijeras compares by contaminant
Explore where Tijeras ranks among all New Mexico cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Tijeras's water comes from
Tijeras'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 private ownership and serves approximately 2,072 people through 9 water systems.
Water bodies near Tijeras
Tijeras is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Tijeras
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| TRANQUILLO PINES WATER USERS COOP | NM3561101 | 814 | GW |
| TIJERAS (VILLAGE OF) | NM3500601 | 541 | GW |
| CHILILI WATER USERS ASSN | NM3510801 | 175 | GW |
| LEISURE MOUNTAIN MHP | NM3549301 | 161 | GW |
| GREEN RIDGE MDWCA, INC. | NM3502401 | 154 | GW |
| TIJERAS WATER COOPERATIVE | NM3575801 | 139 | GW |
| BEARCAT HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION | NM3500101 | 60 | GW |
| QUAIL HOLLOW MDWUA | NM3521001 | 28 | GW |
| EAST MOUNTAIN WATER HAULING | NM3503301 | — | GWP |
How Tijeras compares
Full New Mexico rankings →Tijeras's score of 33/100 is below the average of 44/100 among major New Mexico cities. 10 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View New Mexico rankings →About Tijeras, NM
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Tijeras's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Bernalillo
Frequently asked questions
Is Tijeras, NM tap water safe to drink?
Tijeras's water quality earned a grade of F (33/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #160 out of 163 cities tested in New Mexico.
What contaminants are in Tijeras's water?
Lead was measured at 21.0 ppb (90th percentile). 920 violations are on record.
How is Tijeras'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 Tijeras?
Yes — lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb. We recommend an NSF 53-certified filter or reverse osmosis system. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Tijeras's water come from?
Tijeras's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 9 water systems serving approximately 2,072 residents.
What health violations has Tijeras's water system had?
Tijeras has 181 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. 281 violations remain unresolved.
Is Tijeras's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Tijeras 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 920 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 Tijeras's water compare to other cities?
Tijeras ranks #160 out of 163 cities in New Mexico (better than 2% of state cities) and #15620 out of 15744 cities nationally (1th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.