Mcdonald, NM Water Safety: 53/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Although conditions vary by service area, Mcdonald's water systems collectively show below-average compliance within NM — health-based violations are documented throughout the city, and the overall grade reflects a pattern rather than isolated incidents.
How Mcdonald Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Mcdonald Water
- Homes built before 1986: 100% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $400 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 12.36 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Mcdonald
Federal drinking water records identify 1 system operating in Mcdonald, NM. One of those systems serves the overwhelming majority of residential addresses, concentrating infrastructure management, rate authority, and EPA compliance reporting within a single organization.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Mcdonald, New Mexico (population ~4), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 948 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Mcdonald — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Mcdonald: D (53/100)
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
Mcdonald water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Mcdonald
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 2 (Moderate Risk)
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 88262 | D | TATUM MUNICIPAL WATER SYSTEM | 948 |
All ZIP Codes in Mcdonald
- 88262 [D]
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 Mcdonald
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
Housing & Infrastructure in Mcdonald
With 100% of homes built before 1986, lead solder in plumbing is a potential concern. The EPA banned lead solder in 1986, but many older homes retain original plumbing.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
Heavily weighted toward older construction, Mcdonald's housing stock carries a median build year of 1976. That profile puts a majority of homes in the era when lead-soldered copper plumbing was standard practice.
Over half of homes in Mcdonald were built before 1986, when lead solder was banned. Older plumbing may leach lead into drinking water, especially with corrosive water chemistry.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Mcdonald
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.
When older housing represents 100% of the local inventory or aggregate readings approach the federal action level, an in-home check becomes the standard way to translate citywide averages into the specific reality of an individual Mcdonald address.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Mcdonald
- 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. An NSF-certified pitcher or under-sink filter removes most common contaminants.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 100% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
- Review your water system's CCR. Your utility publishes an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results. Request it or find it online.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Mcdonald, NM