TapSafetyReport
F0/100

Chama Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)

Serving 1,573 residents · New Mexico

What's In Chama's Tap Water?

1
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
ContaminantDetectedLimit (MCL)Status
Lead (90th percentile)
0.005 mg/L0.015 mg/LAbove Goal

EPA Violation History

28

Violations (last 5yr)

0

Unresolved

7

Health-Related

TIER 3Resolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: April 13, 2024 – July 7, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Surface water treatment technique failure

When: October 1, 2023 – May 13, 2024Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Violation related to Nitrate

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: August 31, 2023Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: August 19, 2023Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved

Violation related to Nitrate

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: July 2, 2023Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved

Failed to complete routine monitoring

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: June 1, 2023 – June 30, 2023Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Missed required monitoring deadline

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: June 1, 2023 – June 30, 2023Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 1 — URGENTResolved

Violation related to Nitrate

When: June 1, 2023 – June 30, 2023Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 1 — URGENTResolved

Violation related to Nitrate

When: June 1, 2023 – June 30, 2023Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: May 23, 2023Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 1 — URGENTResolved

Violation related to Nitrate

When: May 1, 2023 – May 31, 2023Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 1 — URGENTResolved

Violation related to Nitrate

When: May 1, 2023 – May 31, 2023Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: May 1, 2023 – July 31, 2023Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: April 14, 2023 – March 24, 2023Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 1 — URGENTResolved

Violation related to Nitrate

When: April 1, 2023 – April 30, 2023Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 1 — URGENTResolved

Violation related to Nitrate

When: April 1, 2023 – April 30, 2023Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved

Failed to complete routine monitoring

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: March 1, 2023 – March 31, 2023Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Failed to complete routine monitoring

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: February 1, 2023 – February 28, 2023Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: October 1, 2022 – December 31, 2022Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: September 2, 2022 – March 20, 2023Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 1 — URGENTResolved

Violation related to Nitrate

When: June 1, 2022 – June 30, 2022Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: January 17, 2022 – January 21, 2022Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Missed required monitoring deadline

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: November 1, 2021 – November 30, 2021Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Failed to complete routine monitoring

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: November 1, 2021 – November 30, 2021Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: July 31, 2021 – June 28, 2021Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: April 22, 2021 – June 28, 2021Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: April 21, 2021 – June 28, 2021Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Violation related to Turbidity

When: April 11, 2021 – June 16, 2022Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

Understanding violation severity

Tier 1Urgent health risk. Utility must notify all customers within 24 hours.Tier 2Important health or treatment issue. Customers notified within 30 days.Tier 3Administrative or monitoring issue. Reported in the annual water quality report.

Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) · Updated quarterly

Water Utility Details

CHAMA WATER SYSTEM
Population Served

1,573

Water Source

Surface Water

System ID

NM3501021

Frequently Asked Questions About Chama Water

Is Chama tap water safe to drink?

Chama, New Mexico tap water receives a grade of F (0/100), which is considered failing. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 148 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.

What contaminants are in Chama's water?

Of the 1 contaminants tested in Chama's water supply, the most notable include Lead (90th percentile). No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.

Does Chama have any water quality violations?

Yes, Chama has 148 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2024. Violation types include Other, MR, TT. 8 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.

Do I need a water filter in Chama?

Chama water meets EPA standards, so a filter is not strictly necessary. However, some residents prefer the added security of a water filter. EPA health goals (MCLGs) are stricter than legal limits and are set at levels with zero expected health risk. 1 contaminant(s) exceed these stricter goals.

Where does Chama's tap water come from?

Chama's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by CHAMA WATER SYSTEM. The system serves approximately 1,573 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.

How often is Chama's water tested?

Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), water utilities are required to regularly test for over 90 contaminants. Testing frequency varies by contaminant — some are tested monthly, others quarterly or annually. Chama's water systems must report results to the EPA and publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). The data on this page reflects the latest available EPA testing data.

How does Chama's water compare to other cities in New Mexico?

Chama's water quality score of 0/100 earns a grade of F, which is considered failing. This is a concerning score that suggests significant water quality issues. Visit our New Mexico state page to see how all cities in the state compare.

What should I do if I'm concerned about Chama's water quality?

If you have concerns about Chama's tap water, consider these steps: (1) Request your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report for detailed local data. (2) Get your water independently tested through a state-certified laboratory. (3) Consider an NSF-certified water filter rated for the contaminants found in your area. (4) Contact your water utility (CHAMA WATER SYSTEM) with specific questions. (5) Report water quality issues to your state drinking water program or the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.

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