Is Tohatchi, NM Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 23 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
54.5/100
waterverge.com Tohatchi, NM — Water Quality Report
Tohatchi's drinking water received a grade of D+ (54.5 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 588 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.7 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 498 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 23 remain unresolved.
What to know about Tohatchi's water
Tohatchi ranks #73 out of 163 cities in New Mexico for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Tohatchi 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, Tohatchi may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 22 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Tohatchi, NM water safe to drink?
Tohatchi's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (54.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 588 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Tohatchi
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Tohatchi's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (54.5/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
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 Tohatchi's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Tohatchi's water system has 498 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 23 remain unresolved. 22 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.
Where does Tohatchi's water come from?
Tohatchi's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 588 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Tohatchi residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Tohatchi'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.
Tohatchi'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.
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. | 2.7 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Tohatchi compares by contaminant
Explore where Tohatchi ranks among all New Mexico cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Tohatchi's water comes from
Tohatchi'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 federal ownership and serves approximately 588 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Tohatchi
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chuska Community Boarding School BIA | NN3536003 | 348 | GW |
| Tohatchi Public School | NN3500299 | 240 | GW |
How Tohatchi compares
Full New Mexico rankings →Tohatchi's score of 54.5/100 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 Tohatchi, NM
Wikipedia →Tohatchi is a census-designated place (CDP) in McKinley County, New Mexico, United States. It is a health-services and education hub along Highway 491. Its population was reported to be 785 at the 2020 census. As Tohatchi is located on the Navajo Nation, it is designated federal trust land.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Tohatchi's water quality findings.
Frequently asked questions
Is Tohatchi, NM tap water safe to drink?
Tohatchi's water quality earned a grade of D+ (54.5/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #73 out of 163 cities tested in New Mexico.
What contaminants are in Tohatchi's water?
Lead was measured at 2.7 ppb (90th percentile). 498 violations are on record.
How is Tohatchi'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 Tohatchi?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Tohatchi's water come from?
Tohatchi's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 588 residents.
What health violations has Tohatchi's water system had?
Tohatchi has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in September 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 23 violations remain unresolved.
Is Tohatchi's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Tohatchi 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 498 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 Tohatchi's water compare to other cities?
Tohatchi ranks #73 out of 163 cities in New Mexico (better than 55% of state cities) and #12600 out of 15744 cities nationally (20th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.