Catron County, New Mexico
7 ZIP codes · Avg score 66/100 · Grade C · Updated 2026-06-03
Spanning 7 ZIP codes, Catron County lands near the national median for water safety — compliance results are mixed, and the county's middle-grade standing reflects genuine variability rather than a single systemic problem.
How Catron County Compares
How Catron County Compares
Catron County scores 4 points above the New Mexico state average (62/100) and 2 points below the national average (68/100).
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
ZIP Code Risk Map
Water Quality Map: Catron County, New Mexico
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Key Risk Factors
Health risk index: 16.5 (asthma 10%, diabetes 17.7%)
Estimated additional annual cost per homeowner: $1,414, driven primarily by wildfire
Infrastructure: 0.373% avg pipe failure probability, 14% of ZIPs at high risk
54.9% of homes built before 1978 (lead paint era)
Violation History (2021–2025)
↑ Worsening trendEPA violation counts by year across Catron County water systems. Health-based shown in red, total in blue.
Peak year: 2021 with 5 violations. Past 5 years: 12 total (12 health-based). Health-based violations are rising versus the prior 2-year window — worth closer monitoring.
Source: EPA SDWIS historical violations. Data may lag 6–12 months for the most recent year.
County Health Indicators vs National Average
Black markers indicate national averages. Source: CDC PLACES, Census ACS.
Infrastructure Overview
Sources: Census ACS (housing age), EPA SDWIS (infrastructure risk model), state bridge inspection data.
Compound Risk Breakdown
Estimated additional annual cost per homeowner: $1,414
Bar widths proportional to share of total annual risk cost. Source: compound risk model (FEMA, EPA, USGS).
Housing Age Distribution
3,174 housing units in Catron County
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034 (Year Structure Built).
Water Safety Affordability
How much it costs to fix water issues relative to home values in Catron County
Remediation costs are relatively manageable for most homeowners in Catron County, representing a small fraction of property value.
Remediation includes water filtration, lead abatement, radon mitigation, and flood protection where applicable. Source: Census ACS, EPA SDWIS.
Health Outcomes vs National Average
CDC PLACES data for Catron County residents
Black markers = national averages. Red = above national avg. Green = below. Source: CDC PLACES, Census ACS.
Water Systems with Most Violations
Top 5 systems in Catron County ranked by EPA violation count.
| # | Water System | Population | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pie Town Mdwca | 107 | 35 |
| 2 | Quemado Lake Water Association | 344 | 31 |
| 3 | Quemado Mutual Water & Swa | 286 | 31 |
| 4 | Coyote Creek Mutual Domestic Wua | 133 | 31 |
| 5 | Spring Canyon Ranch | 116 | 31 |
9 total water systems serve Catron County.
All ZIP Codes in Catron County
7 ZIP codes tracked in Catron County.
| # | ZIP Code | City | Safety Score | Grade | Violations | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 87821 | Datil | 83 | B | 0 | $234K |
| 2 | 87830 | Reserve | 81 | B | 8 (2 health) | $119K |
| 3 | 87827 | Pie Town | 70 | B | 4 | $245K |
| 4 | 87829 | Quemado | 69 | C | 31 (5 health) | $260K |
| 5 | 88039 | Glenwood | 63 | C | 0 | $162K |
| 6 | 87824 | Luna | 53 | D | 0 | — |
| 7 | 87820 | Aragon | 43 | D | 19 (3 health) | $93K |
Recommended Buyer Guides for Catron County
Below: editorial picks, no sponsored placements.
- Best Water Filters for Lead — Lead above EPA action level in 1 ZIP code
- Best Lead Paint Test Kits — 54.9% of homes built before 1978
- Best Under-Sink Reverse Osmosis Systems — Multi-contaminant removal at the kitchen tap
- Best HEPA Air Purifiers for Wildfire Smoke — Wildfire is the top compound risk factor
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Catron County, New Mexico
Overview
Catron County in New Mexico covers 7 ZIP codes with an average Home Safety Score of C (66/100).
4 of 7 ZIP codes have recorded EPA violations. 10 health-based violations have been documented.
← Back to New Mexico water quality report
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Home values: U.S. Census Bureau ACS (median estimates by ZCTA)
Updated daily.