Is Zia Pueblo, NM Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
80/100
waterverge.com Zia Pueblo, NM — Water Quality Report
Zia Pueblo's drinking water received a grade of B+ (80 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 771 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.5 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 41 violations on record, including 12 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved.
What to know about Zia Pueblo's water
Zia Pueblo ranks #36 out of 163 cities in New Mexico for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Zia Pueblo 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, Zia Pueblo may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Zia Pueblo, NM water safe to drink?
Zia Pueblo's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (80/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 771 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Zia Pueblo
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Zia Pueblo's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (80/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Arsenic.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4152). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4079). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Zia Pueblo's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Zia Pueblo's water system has 41 total violations on record, including 12 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Sandoval County has experienced 5 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.
Where does Zia Pueblo's water come from?
Zia Pueblo's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 771 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Zia Pueblo residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Zia Pueblo'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.
Zia Pueblo'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
Sandoval County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1973. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Zia Pueblo'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. | 0.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.59 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.592 mg/L (2001)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Zia Pueblo compares by contaminant
Explore where Zia Pueblo ranks among all New Mexico cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Zia Pueblo's water comes from
Zia Pueblo'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 native american ownership and serves approximately 771 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Zia Pueblo
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zia Pueblo | 063500123 | 771 | GW |
How Zia Pueblo compares
Full New Mexico rankings →Zia Pueblo's score of 80/100 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 →ZIP codes served by Zia Pueblo
The water system serving Zia Pueblo covers 1 ZIP code. Select any ZIP to see which water systems serve that area.
About Zia Pueblo, NM
Wikipedia →Zia Pueblo is a census-designated place (CDP) in Sandoval County, New Mexico, United States. The population was 646 at the 2000 census, with 310 males and 336 females. The pueblo after which the CDP is named is included within the CDP; it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Zia Pueblo's water quality findings.
Frequently asked questions
Is Zia Pueblo, NM tap water safe to drink?
Zia Pueblo's water quality earned a grade of B+ (80/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #36 out of 163 cities tested in New Mexico.
What contaminants are in Zia Pueblo's water?
Lead was measured at 0.5 ppb (90th percentile). 41 violations are on record.
How is Zia Pueblo'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 Zia Pueblo?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Zia Pueblo's water come from?
Zia Pueblo's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 771 residents.
What health violations has Zia Pueblo's water system had?
Zia Pueblo has 12 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 9 violations remain unresolved.
Is Zia Pueblo's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Zia Pueblo 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 41 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 Zia Pueblo's water compare to other cities?
Zia Pueblo ranks #36 out of 163 cities in New Mexico (better than 78% of state cities) and #8071 out of 15744 cities nationally (49th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Zia Pueblo's small water system affect quality?
Zia Pueblo's system serves approximately 771 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 41 violations on record.