Water Quality in Pena Blanca, NM: 25 Violations — Grade D
Grade D · Score 52/100 · 3 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Pena Blanca's water has significant violations. Water testing and filtration are recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Reviewing EPA compliance files for Pena Blanca, NM surfaces 25 documented water violations — each categorized by violation type and linked to the utility that drew the federal citation.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Pena Blanca
Water quality varies across Pena Blanca's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 87041 | C | 69 | 25 | 5 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Pena Blanca.
Water Quality Overview
Pena Blanca, New Mexico receives a water quality grade of D with an overall score of 52 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 3 water systems serving Pena Blanca have accumulated 25 EPA violations, including 5 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 894 people.
What Grade D Means
A grade of D indicates significant compliance issues. Pena Blanca's water systems have accumulated violations that suggest ongoing water quality challenges. Residents should check their specific ZIP code report and consider water testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Pena Blanca water systems is 0.0012 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 47% of homes built before 1986, Pena Blanca has a higher-than-average risk of lead from older plumbing. Lead solder was banned in 1986, and homes built before this date may have lead in pipes, solder joints, or fixtures.
Radon Risk
Pena Blanca is in EPA Radon Zone 1 (High risk). The EPA recommends all homes in Zone 1 areas be tested for radon. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.
Water Systems Serving Pena Blanca
Pena Blanca is served by 3 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 894 people across 1 ZIP codes.
Each water system is identified by a Public Water System ID (PWSID) and is required to:
- Test for over 90 regulated contaminants on a regular schedule
- Report results to the EPA and state regulators
- Issue an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to all customers
- Take corrective action when violations occur
The EPA has taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Pena Blanca. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Pena Blanca
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores
Request your CCR — your water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results for all monitored contaminants
Get a home test — certified kits cost $20–$50 and test for lead, bacteria, and common contaminants. Professional lab tests ($150–$400) cover a broader panel
Consider filtration — NSF-certified filters can remove specific contaminants. Reverse osmosis removes the broadest range; activated carbon is effective for chlorine and many organics
Check for advisories — monitor your local utility website and local news for boil water advisories or system alerts
Contaminants Detected in Pena Blanca Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Pena Blanca's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 6 | 1 | Yes |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 4 | 1 | No |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.08 mg/L | 4 | 1 | No |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 4 | 1 | No |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 2 | 1 | No |
| Total Coliform | Microbiological | N/A | 2 | 1 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
Violation Trend Over Time
Year-by-year EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Pena Blanca:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 | 2 |
| 2024 | 3 | 3 |
Violations have increased from 2 in 2023 to 3 in 2024. This trend warrants monitoring.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Pena Blanca. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-08-29 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-08-29 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-08-25 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-07-06 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-06-05 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-06-02 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-06-02 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-05-20 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-03-31 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-03-31 | State Informal Enforcement |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-08-29.
Pena Blanca vs. Nearby New Mexico Cities
How Pena Blanca's water quality compares to similar cities in New Mexico:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pena Blanca | D | 25 | 3 | 894 |
| Malaga | B | 17 | 1 | 868 |
| Ohkay Owingeh | D | 0 | 1 | 927 |
| Caprock | D | 0 | 1 | 948 |
Common Questions About Pena Blanca Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Pena Blanca, New Mexico:
Is Pena Blanca water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Pena Blanca's 3 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Pena Blanca tap water? Pena Blanca's water receives a grade of D (52/100). There are 5 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Pena Blanca? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Pena Blanca vs. New Mexico Average
Understanding how Pena Blanca compares to the broader New Mexico average helps contextualize your local water quality. Factors like water source, treatment methods, and infrastructure age all contribute to differences between cities in the same state.
To see how individual neighborhoods compare, check the ZIP code reports below — water quality can vary significantly even within Pena Blanca.
ZIP Codes in Pena Blanca
Pena Blanca spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 87041. Each ZIP code has its own water quality profile based on the specific water system serving that area. Check each ZIP code for detailed contaminant data, violation history, and system information.
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
- Enforcement: EPA ECHO database
- Filter recommendations: NSF/ANSI certified products
Updated daily.