Santa Fe, NM: 55 Health Violations — 48/100 (2026)
11 ZIP codes · 11 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
A meaningful share of water systems in Santa Fe have recorded health-based violations in recent NM monitoring periods — placing the city in the lower tier for tap water safety.
How Santa Fe Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Water Quality Map: Santa Fe, NM
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Score Distribution
How ZIP codes in Santa Fe score across all safety grades.
What You Should Know About Santa Fe Water
- Your city's water systems recorded 242 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.0013 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $2,555 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 11.78.
Who Supplies Your Water in Santa Fe
3 independent water providers serve Santa Fe, NM — 11 systems appear in federal records.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 11 ZIP codes in Santa Fe, New Mexico, covering 11 community water systems serving approximately 133,507 people.
11 of 11 ZIP codes (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 55 health-based violations documented.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Santa Fe: D (48/100)
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
Santa Fe water systems draw from: Groundwater, Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0013 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): 11 ZIP codes
- 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 | 108 | 11 |
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 96 | 11 |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 36 | 11 |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | 12 | 11 |
| Contaminant 0700 | Other | 12 | 11 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 87501 | D | 22 | 5 | Santa Fe Water System (city Of) |
| 87502 | D | 22 | 5 | Santa Fe Water System (city Of) |
| 87503 | D | 22 | 5 | Santa Fe Water System (city Of) |
| 87504 | D | 22 | 5 | Santa Fe Water System (city Of) |
| 87505 | D | 22 | 5 | Santa Fe Water System (city Of) |
| 87506 | D | 22 | 5 | Santa Fe Water System (city Of) |
| 87507 | D | 22 | 5 | Santa Fe Water System (city Of) |
| 87508 | D | 22 | 5 | Eldorado Area Water and Sanitation District |
| 87509 | D | 22 | 5 | Santa Fe Water System (city Of) |
| 87592 | D | 22 | 5 | Santa Fe Water System (city Of) |
All ZIP Codes in Santa Fe
- 87501 [D] — 22 violations ⚠
- 87502 [D] — 22 violations ⚠
- 87503 [D] — 22 violations ⚠
- 87504 [D] — 22 violations ⚠
- 87505 [D] — 22 violations ⚠
- 87506 [D] — 22 violations ⚠
- 87507 [D] — 22 violations ⚠
- 87508 [D] — 22 violations ⚠
- 87509 [D] — 22 violations ⚠
- 87592 [D] — 22 violations ⚠
- 87594 [D] — 22 violations ⚠
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 Santa Fe
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
Top Contaminants in Santa Fe Water
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Santa Fe Homeowners
In Santa Fe, the equity impact of remediation is proportionally small — not the kind of financial commitment that rises to the level of a genuine planning constraint, but a minor share of what most properties here are worth.
Remediation costs in Santa Fe are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,600–$4,082 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 155% above the New Mexico average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Santa Fe
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 Santa Fe 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.
Flood & Climate Risk in Santa Fe
Measured across the NFIP's multi-decade tracking period, Santa Fe shows a moderate flood record — 43 claims and 45% of ZIP codes carrying FEMA flood zone status. For water quality, that combination matters because flood events at this frequency can periodically stress infrastructure: treatment plants, private wells, and distribution systems all face elevated risk during significant flooding.
Santa Fe has a moderate flood history with 43 FEMA claims averaging $17,935 per payout. 45% 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>$2,555</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 Santa Fe
- 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 Santa Fe's water.
- Check your home's plumbing. Homes built before 1986 may have lead solder in pipes. A licensed plumber can assess your risk.
- 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 Santa Fe, NM