Water Quality in Penasco, NM: 11 Violations — Grade D
Grade D · Score 51/100 · 3 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Penasco's water has significant violations. Water testing and filtration are recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Local water systems serving Penasco, NM carry 11 EPA violations on record in the federal compliance database — documented events spanning categories from maximum contaminant level exceedances to monitoring requirements tracked by the national Safe Drinking Water program.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Penasco
Water quality varies across Penasco's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 87553 | D | 51 | 11 | 1 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Penasco, New Mexico receives a water quality grade of D with an overall score of 51 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 3 water systems serving Penasco have accumulated 11 EPA violations, including 1 health-based violation. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 1,006 people.
What Grade D Means
A grade of D indicates significant compliance issues. Penasco'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 Penasco water systems is 0.0092 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 70% of homes built before 1986, Penasco 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
Penasco 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 Penasco
Penasco is served by 3 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 1,006 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 Penasco. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Penasco
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 Penasco Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Penasco's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 4 | 1 | No |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 3 | 1 | No |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 8 enforcement actions against water systems serving Penasco. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-05-17 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-10-22 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-10-22 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2024-10-07 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-08-28 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-08-22 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-08-22 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2024-04-23 | State Order Extension |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-05-17.
Penasco vs. Nearby New Mexico Cities
How Penasco's water quality compares to similar cities in New Mexico:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Penasco | D | 11 | 3 | 1,006 |
| Alcalde | D | 29 | 2 | 1,010 |
| Taos Ski Valley | C | 0 | 1 | 1,025 |
| Quemado | C | 31 | 5 | 986 |
Common Questions About Penasco Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Penasco, New Mexico:
Is Penasco water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Penasco's 3 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Penasco tap water? Penasco's water receives a grade of D (51/100). There are 1 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Penasco? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Penasco vs. New Mexico Average
Understanding how Penasco 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 Penasco.
ZIP Codes in Penasco
Penasco spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 87553. 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.