Is Tyrone, NM Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 54 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
52.1/100
Tyrone, NM — Water Quality Report
Tyrone's drinking water received a grade of D+ (52.1 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 852 residents using purchased ground water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.7 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 118 violations on record, including 17 health-based violations. 54 remain unresolved.
What to know about Tyrone's water
Tyrone ranks #74 out of 163 cities in New Mexico for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Tyrone purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
As a small community water system, Tyrone 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 Tyrone, NM water safe to drink?
Tyrone's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (52.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 852 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Tyrone
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Tyrone's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (52.1/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
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-992). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Tyrone's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Tyrone's water system has 118 total violations on record, including 17 health-based violations. 54 remain unresolved. 14 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Grant 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 Tyrone's water come from?
Tyrone's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 852 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Tyrone residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Tyrone'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.
Tyrone'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Tyrone
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Tyrone, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 1,580 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
FREEPORT-MCMORAN TYRONE INC. TYRONE, NM88065 | Copper And Copper Compounds | 1,580 | 6.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtGrant 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
Grant 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. | 0.7 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Tyrone compares by contaminant
Explore where Tyrone ranks among all New Mexico cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Tyrone's water comes from
Tyrone purchases its water supply from a regional wholesale provider rather than treating raw water directly.
Water quality depends on both the wholesaler's treatment standards and the condition of Tyrone's local distribution pipes and storage facilities.
Purchased water systems are common in suburban areas and smaller communities that lack the infrastructure for independent treatment.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 852 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Tyrone
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| TYRONE TOWNSITE | NM3500309 | 782 | GWP |
| TYRONE MDWCA | NM3538309 | 70 | GW |
How Tyrone compares
Full New Mexico rankings →Tyrone's score of 52.1/100 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 Tyrone, NM
Wikipedia →Tyrone is a census-designated place in Grant County, New Mexico, United States. Its population was 637 at the 2010 census and 712 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Tyrone's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Grant
Frequently asked questions
Is Tyrone, NM tap water safe to drink?
Tyrone's water quality earned a grade of D+ (52.1/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #74 out of 163 cities tested in New Mexico.
What contaminants are in Tyrone's water?
Lead was measured at 0.7 ppb (90th percentile). 118 violations are on record.
How is Tyrone'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 Tyrone?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Tyrone's water come from?
Tyrone's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 852 residents.
What health violations has Tyrone's water system had?
Tyrone has 17 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 54 violations remain unresolved.
Is Tyrone's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Tyrone 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 118 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 Tyrone's water compare to other cities?
Tyrone ranks #74 out of 163 cities in New Mexico (better than 55% of state cities) and #12789 out of 15744 cities nationally (19th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.