F11/100
Garfield Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 2,504 residents · New Mexico
What's In Garfield's Tap Water?
1
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.002 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
2
Violations (last 5yr)
0
Unresolved
0
Health-Related
TIER 3Resolved
Surface water treatment technique failure
When: October 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Violation related to Turbidity
When: February 15, 2023 – May 12, 2023Rule: 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
GARFIELD MDWCA
Population Served
2,504
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
NM3529007
Frequently Asked Questions About Garfield Water
Is Garfield tap water safe to drink?
Garfield, New Mexico tap water receives a grade of F (11/100), which is considered failing. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 62 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Garfield's water?
Of the 1 contaminants tested in Garfield'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 Garfield have any water quality violations?
Yes, Garfield has 62 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2024. Violation types include Other, MR, MCL. 6 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Garfield?
Garfield 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 Garfield's tap water come from?
Garfield's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by GARFIELD MDWCA. The system serves approximately 2,504 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Garfield'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. Garfield'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 Garfield's water compare to other cities in New Mexico?
Garfield's water quality score of 11/100 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 Garfield's water quality?
If you have concerns about Garfield'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 (GARFIELD MDWCA) 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.