Vanderwagen, NM Water Safety: 53/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Vanderwagen, NM water systems: poor compliance record, lower-tier safety grade.
How Vanderwagen Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Vanderwagen Water
- Homes built before 1986: 51% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $400 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 17.07 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Vanderwagen
A single dominant system supplies most of Vanderwagen, NM. That utility controls infrastructure decisions, rate structures, and EPA compliance reporting for most residential addresses served across those 1 tracked system.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Vanderwagen, New Mexico (population ~2,224), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 20,880 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Vanderwagen — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Vanderwagen: 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
Vanderwagen water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Vanderwagen
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 87326 | D | GALLUP WATER SYSTEM | 20,880 |
All ZIP Codes in Vanderwagen
- 87326 [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 Vanderwagen
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 Vanderwagen
With 51% 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
When more than half a city's housing predates the 1986 federal ban on lead solder, plumbing-era lead risk becomes a citywide concern rather than an exception. Vanderwagen's median build year of 1984 places it squarely in that category.
Over half of homes in Vanderwagen 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.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Vanderwagen Homeowners
What does remediation cost in financial context for Vanderwagen homeowners? Proportionally very little — the equity share here is low, and addressing documented issues is a manageable planning question rather than a material financial burden.
Remediation costs in Vanderwagen are relatively low compared to home values. The $0–$800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 75% below the New Mexico average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Vanderwagen
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 51% 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 Vanderwagen address.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Vanderwagen
- 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 51% 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 Vanderwagen, NM