Espanola, NM: 6 Health Violations — 68/100 (2026)
2 ZIP codes · 9 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Safe water is the norm across most of Espanola, NM — but documented violations push the city to the middle safety tier.
How Espanola Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Espanola Water: The Quick Version
- Your city's water systems recorded 42 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.0007 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $2,400 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 13.32 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Espanola
3 water utilities share the residential service territory in Espanola, NM — out of 9 total systems in federal records.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 2 ZIP codes in Espanola, New Mexico, covering 9 community water systems serving approximately 19,522 people.
2 of 2 ZIP codes (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 6 health-based violations documented.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Espanola: C (68/100)
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
Espanola water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0007 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)
- Zone 1 (High): 1 ZIP code
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 0 ZIP codes
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | 36 | 2 |
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 12 | 2 |
| Consumer Confidence Report Rule | Reporting | 6 | 2 |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | 3 | 2 |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | Microbiological | 3 | 2 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 87532 | B | 21 | 3 | Espanola Water System |
| 87533 | C | 21 | 3 | Espanola Water System |
All ZIP Codes in Espanola
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.
CDC Health Data for Espanola
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
Key Contaminants Detected in Espanola
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Espanola: Remediation Cost in Perspective
While Espanola homeowners face a manageable path to remediation, the equity share sits in the moderate tier — a signal that proactive budgeting matters more here than in lower-ratio markets.
Remediation costs are moderate relative to home values in Espanola. The estimated $1,500–$3,900 range is manageable for most homeowners but still worth budgeting for. Home values are 9% above the New Mexico average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Espanola
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.
Lead risk in Espanola appears low overall, but individual homes may differ. Testing is the only way to confirm your water's lead content.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Climate-Related Water Risk for Espanola
Although Espanola's flood history doesn't reach high-severity thresholds, NFIP data documents 16 claims and FEMA maps place 50% of ZIP codes in designated flood zones — a combined profile that makes flood-related water quality considerations a reasonable planning baseline.
Espanola has a moderate flood history with 16 FEMA claims averaging $10,802 per payout. 50% 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>$2,400</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 Espanola
- 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 Surface Water Treatment Rule can reduce the most common contaminant found in Espanola'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 Espanola, NM