C42/100
Raton Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 9,733 residents · New Mexico
What's In Raton's Tap Water?
31
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.003 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
5
Violations (last 5yr)
0
Unresolved
5
Health-Related
TIER 2Resolved
Treatment Technique Violation
When: October 1, 2021 – December 31, 2021Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Resolved
Treatment Technique Violation
When: October 1, 2021 – December 31, 2021Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Resolved
Treatment Technique Violation
When: July 1, 2021 – September 30, 2021Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Resolved
Treatment Technique Violation
When: July 1, 2021 – September 30, 2021Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Resolved
Treatment Technique Violation
When: July 1, 2021 – September 30, 2021Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: 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
CITY OF RATON/RATON WATER WORKS
Population Served
9,733
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
NM3526704
Frequently Asked Questions About Raton Water
Is Raton tap water safe to drink?
Raton, New Mexico tap water receives a grade of C (42/100), which is considered fair. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 23 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Raton's water?
Of the 31 contaminants tested in Raton'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 Raton have any water quality violations?
Yes, Raton has 23 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2021. Violation types include TT, MR, Other. 8 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Raton?
Raton 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 Raton's tap water come from?
Raton's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by CITY OF RATON/RATON WATER WORKS. The system serves approximately 9,733 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Raton'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. Raton'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 Raton's water compare to other cities in New Mexico?
Raton's water quality score of 42/100 earns a grade of C, which is considered fair. This is a below-average score that indicates room for improvement. Visit our New Mexico state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Raton's water quality?
If you have concerns about Raton'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 (CITY OF RATON/RATON WATER WORKS) 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.