D22/100
Thoreau Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 1,173 residents · New Mexico
What's In Thoreau'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) | 0.004 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
9
Violations (last 5yr)
0
Unresolved
3
Health-Related
TIER 2Resolved
Violation related to Consumer Confidence Report
When: October 23, 2024 – December 20, 2024Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Resolved
Violation related to Consumer Confidence Report
When: October 23, 2024 – March 13, 2025Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Reporting violation
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: October 17, 2024 – July 25, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Resolved
Treatment technique violation
When: October 17, 2024 – July 25, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Surface water treatment technique failure
When: October 1, 2024 – May 13, 2025Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
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, 2024 – March 1, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Violation related to Consumer Confidence Report
When: July 28, 2024 – March 13, 2025Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Surface water treatment technique failure
When: October 1, 2022 – May 13, 2025Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Surface water treatment technique failure
When: July 1, 2022 – May 27, 2025Enforcement: 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
THOREAU WATER & SANITATION DISTRICT
Population Served
1,173
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
NM3508817
Frequently Asked Questions About Thoreau Water
Is Thoreau tap water safe to drink?
Thoreau, New Mexico tap water receives a grade of D (22/100), which is considered poor. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 39 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Thoreau's water?
Of the 1 contaminants tested in Thoreau'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 Thoreau have any water quality violations?
Yes, Thoreau has 39 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2024. Violation types include TT, RPT, Other. 9 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Thoreau?
Thoreau 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 Thoreau's tap water come from?
Thoreau's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by THOREAU WATER & SANITATION DISTRICT. The system serves approximately 1,173 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Thoreau'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. Thoreau'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 Thoreau's water compare to other cities in New Mexico?
Thoreau's water quality score of 22/100 earns a grade of D, which is considered poor. 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 Thoreau's water quality?
If you have concerns about Thoreau'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 (THOREAU WATER & SANITATION DISTRICT) 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.