F0/100
Santa Clara Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 1,682 residents · New Mexico
What's In Santa Clara'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) | 0.005 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
5
Violations (last 5yr)
1
Unresolved
2
Health-Related
TIER 3Unresolved
Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure
TIER 3Resolved
Failed to issue ongoing public notification
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: October 1, 2022 – September 17, 2024Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Resolved
Violation related to Consumer Confidence Report
When: May 6, 2022 – October 3, 2022Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Resolved
Violation related to Consumer Confidence Report
When: May 6, 2022 – October 3, 2022Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure
When: May 9, 2021 – June 1, 2021Rule: 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
SANTA CLARA WATER SYSTEM
Population Served
1,682
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
NM3522209
Frequently Asked Questions About Santa Clara Water
Is Santa Clara tap water safe to drink?
Santa Clara, New Mexico tap water receives a grade of F (0/100), which is considered failing. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 52 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Santa Clara's water?
Of the 1 contaminants tested in Santa Clara'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 Santa Clara have any water quality violations?
Yes, Santa Clara has 52 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include Other, MR, TT. 15 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Santa Clara?
Santa Clara 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 Santa Clara's tap water come from?
Santa Clara's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by SANTA CLARA WATER SYSTEM. The system serves approximately 1,682 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Santa Clara'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. Santa Clara'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 Santa Clara's water compare to other cities in New Mexico?
Santa Clara'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 Santa Clara's water quality?
If you have concerns about Santa Clara'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 (SANTA CLARA 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.