Buena Vista, NM: 1 Health Violation — 69/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Safe water is the norm across most of Buena Vista, NM — but documented violations push the city to the middle safety tier.
How Buena Vista Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Buena Vista Water
- Your city's water systems recorded 25 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.0004 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 22% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $2,700 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 13.8 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Buena Vista
The structure of water supply in Buena Vista, NM is straightforward: one utility provides the bulk of residential service among 1 tracked system, concentrating rate-setting and infrastructure decisions under a single organization.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Buena Vista, New Mexico, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 185 people.
1 of 1 ZIP code (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 1 health-based violation documented.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Buena Vista: C (69/100)
The score combines three factors:
| Factor | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Water Quality | EPA violations and compliance history |
| Lead Levels | 90th percentile lead concentration vs EPA action level |
| Radon Risk | EPA radon zone classification |
Water Sources
Buena Vista water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0004 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 1 (High Risk)
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | 16 | 1 |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | Microbiological | 14 | 1 |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | 8 | 1 |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 4 | 1 |
| Contaminant 0700 | Other | 4 | 1 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 87712 | C | 25 | 1 | Buena Vista Mdwca |
All ZIP Codes in Buena Vista
- 87712 [C] — 25 violations ⚠
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
Updated daily.
Health Outcomes in Buena Vista
Source: CDC PLACES (County-level estimates). Water contamination can correlate with respiratory and chronic health conditions.
Compared to National Average
Vertical line = national average. ■ Above national · ■ Below national
Top Contaminants in Buena Vista Water
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Housing & Infrastructure in Buena Vista
Housing age data helps assess potential lead pipe and infrastructure risks. Newer housing stock generally means lower plumbing-related contamination risk.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
Lead solder was federally prohibited in new plumbing in 1986. In Buena Vista, the median build year of 1996 puts a majority of homes in the lower-risk category for that specific contamination pathway — though the pre-1986 share shown above still carries real exposure potential at the individual household level.
Most homes in Buena Vista were built after 1986, reducing the risk of lead contamination from plumbing. Older homes should still be tested.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Buena Vista Homeowners
What does the elevated remediation share mean for Buena Vista homeowners financially? A serious commitment — one that calls for structured planning rather than an ad-hoc response.
At 27.0% of home value, remediation costs in Buena Vista represent a significant financial burden. For homes valued near the median, fixing water and safety issues could cost $1,750–$3,900. Home values here are 95% below the New Mexico average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Buena Vista
Why children are most at risk: The CDC states there is no safe level of lead exposure for children. Children under 6 absorb lead more readily than adults, and even low levels can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems.
Older homes from the pre-rule era make up 22% of Buena Vista's inventory, a contained slice. Citywide aggregate readings stay below 0.015 mg/L under EPA Lead and Copper Rule monitoring, suggesting systemic lead is not a dominant local concern. What the aggregate cannot do is reflect conditions inside any single building, where interior plumbing age, water chemistry, and stagnation patterns interact differently than they do across thousands of service connections combined into one figure.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Flood & Climate Risk in Buena Vista
Within the NFIP's national dataset, Buena Vista falls in moderate-exposure territory — 3 documented incidents spanning multiple decades, with 100% of local ZIP codes sitting inside FEMA flood boundaries. That combination warrants inclusion in any thorough local water quality review.
Buena Vista has a moderate flood history with 3 FEMA claims averaging $1,615 per payout. 100% of ZIP codes fall within FEMA flood zones. Flood events can contaminate drinking water and overwhelm treatment systems.
How flooding affects water quality: Flood events can introduce sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial chemicals into water supplies. Even after floodwaters recede, contamination can persist in wells and aging infrastructure. Flood damage can add significantly to the estimated <strong>$2,700</strong> remediation cost per household.
Residents in flood-prone areas should consider flood insurance even outside FEMA zones — over 25% of flood claims come from low-to-moderate risk areas. After any flood event, test your water before drinking.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
What You Can Do in Buena Vista
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages — your tap may differ. NSF-certified test kits cost $20-40 and give results in days.
- Install a certified water filter. Filters rated for Lead and Copper Rule can reduce the most common contaminant found in Buena Vista's water.
- Check your home's plumbing. Homes built before 1986 may have lead solder in pipes. A licensed plumber can assess your risk.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Buena Vista, NM