Water Quality in Red River, NM: 3 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 61/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-05-03
Red River's water has moderate compliance issues. Residents in affected areas should consider filtration.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
The public EPA compliance record for Red River, NM holds 3 documented water violations — sourced from the federal Safe Drinking Water Information System, which tracks every reportable event for registered public water systems in the state.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Red River
Water quality varies across Red River's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 87558 | C | 61 | 3 | 1 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Red River, New Mexico receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 61 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 1 water system serving Red River have accumulated 3 EPA violations, including 1 health-based violation. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 679 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Red River's water systems have some violations that warrant attention. While the water may still be safe for most people, residents in affected ZIP codes should consider additional testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
Lead testing data for Red River is currently being collected. The EPA requires all community water systems to test for lead under the Lead and Copper Rule.
With 67% of homes built before 1986, Red River 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
Red River 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 Red River
Red River is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 679 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 Red River. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Red River
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 Red River Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Red River's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Coliform | Microbiological | 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 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Red River. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-06-10 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-06-10 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-05-13 | State Order Extension |
| 2021-10-21 | State Informal Action |
| 2021-10-18 | State Order Extension |
| 2021-10-15 | State Order Extension |
| 2021-10-13 | State Informal Action |
| 2021-10-13 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2021-09-21 | State Informal Action |
| 2021-09-10 | State Informal Action |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-06-10.
Red River vs. Nearby New Mexico Cities
How Red River's water quality compares to similar cities in New Mexico:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red River | C | 3 | 1 | 679 |
| Arroyo Hondo | C | 18 | 3 | 694 |
| Cochiti Lake | D | 0 | 1 | 700 |
| Cochiti Pueblo | D | 0 | 1 | 700 |
Common Questions About Red River Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Red River, New Mexico:
Is Red River water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Red River's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Red River tap water? Red River's water receives a grade of C (61/100). There are 1 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Red River? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Red River vs. New Mexico Average
Understanding how Red River 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 Red River.
ZIP Codes in Red River
Red River spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 87558. 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.