B74/100
Silver City Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 15,604 residents · New Mexico
What's In Silver City's Tap Water?
66
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Lead (90th percentile) | < 0.001 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2019.
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
SILVER CITY WATER SYSTEM
Population Served
14,400
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
NM3522609
ARENAS VALLEY MDWCA
Population Served
1,204
Water Source
Purchased Groundwater
System ID
NM3523009
Frequently Asked Questions About Silver City Water
Is Silver City tap water safe to drink?
Silver City, New Mexico tap water receives a grade of B (74/100), which is considered good. Out of 66 contaminants tested, none exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) and 1 exceed health guidelines (MCLGs). While the water meets federal standards, some residents may still choose to use a filter for additional peace of mind.
What contaminants are in Silver City's water?
Of the 66 contaminants tested in Silver City'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 Silver City have any water quality violations?
Yes, Silver City has 25 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2024. Violation types include Other, MR, MON. 5 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Silver City?
Silver City 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 Silver City's tap water come from?
Silver City's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by SILVER CITY WATER SYSTEM and 1 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 15,604 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Silver City'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. Silver City'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 Silver City's water compare to other cities in New Mexico?
Silver City's water quality score of 74/100 earns a grade of B, which is considered good. This is an above-average score compared to many cities nationwide. Visit our New Mexico state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Silver City's water quality?
If you have concerns about Silver City'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 (SILVER CITY 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.