Health Violations Found NM 1 HEALTH VIOLATION

Costilla Mdwca

EPA ID: NM3505929 · 244 people served · 2 ZIP codes

Where compliant utilities carry no open actions, Costilla Mdwca shows 4 active EPA violations in the federal database for a service population of approximately 244.

Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-04-02

D · 51
Avg Safety Score
244
People Served
2
ZIP Codes Served
13
Violations (5yr)
Groundwater
Water Source
0.002 mg/L
Max Lead Level
Zone 1
Radon Risk · High
5
Contaminants Flagged

Service Area Map

Coverage area for Costilla Mdwca Source: EPA SDWIS service area boundaries.

Service area boundary — Grade D

💧 Where Does Your Water Come From?

Groundwater

Costilla Mdwca's water is pumped from underground aquifers. Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil, but it can be vulnerable to PFAS contamination, nitrates from agriculture, and industrial chemicals that seep into the water table.

Elevated Risk
Source Contamination Risk
30th
Wastewater Discharge Proximity
30th
Superfund Site Proximity

About 2% of homes in Taos County, New Mexico rely on private wells rather than public water systems. Private well owners are responsible for their own water testing and treatment.

Infrastructure Risk

68 yr
Avg Pipe Age
Galvanized Steel or Copper
Pipe Material
1 yr
Est. Remaining Life
Moderate Wear
Decay Status
Installed 99% of expected lifespan used End of life

Detected Contaminants

How Costilla Mdwca compares to EPA limits

What This Means For You

Surface Water Treatment Rule at 5 mg/L exceeds the EPA maximum of mg/L.

Lead and Copper Rule at 4 mg/L exceeds the EPA maximum of mg/L.

Stage 2 DBP Rule at 2 mg/L exceeds the EPA maximum of mg/L.

Revised Total Coliform Rule at 1 presence exceeds the EPA maximum of presence.

Contaminant 0700 at 1 mg/L exceeds the EPA maximum of mg/L.

Comparable Water Systems

Similar-sized systems in New Mexico

0 violations
Hope Water System
245 people
0 violations
La Joya Mdwca
246 people
C 27 violations
Tecolotito Mdwca
246 people
0 violations
Agua Negra Mdwca
242 people
0 violations

Estimated Remediation Costs

Average estimated costs across ZIP codes served by this system

Radon Mitigation Water Filtration
Radon Mitigation $1,200
Water Filtration $150
Total Estimated Cost $1,350

Based on national averages for common remediation projects. Actual costs vary by property. Only issues flagged by EPA, FEMA, or state data for each ZIP code are included.

Cost of Inaction

If water quality issues in this service area are not addressed, the estimated financial impact per household is:

Estimated Healthcare Costs $1,000

Annual per household (CDC est.)

Estimated Cumulative Cost Per Household

5 years
$5,000
10 years
$10,000
20 years
$20,000

Compare: Estimated remediation cost is $1,350 (one-time) vs. $10,000 in estimated inaction costs over 10 years.

Estimates based on published EPA, CDC, and peer-reviewed research. Individual costs vary by household size, property, and health factors. These are conservative lower-bound estimates intended for awareness, not financial advice.

System Overview

COSTILLA MDWCA (EPA ID: NM3505929) is a community water system in New Mexico that serves approximately 244 people from groundwater sources.

This system provides water to 2 ZIP codes across 2 communities.

Average Home Safety Score: D (51/100)

Based on water quality violations, lead levels, and radon risk across all ZIP codes served by this system.

Violation History

1 health-based violation recorded in the past 5 years. 4 remain unresolved.

Recent Violations

Date Contaminant Type Status
July 1, 2025 Surface Water Treatment Rule Monitoring Resolved
October 17, 2024 Stage 2 DBP Rule Health-based Unresolved
October 17, 2024 Stage 2 DBP Rule Monitoring Unresolved
April 7, 2024 Contaminant 0700 Monitoring Unresolved
October 1, 2023 Surface Water Treatment Rule Monitoring Resolved
July 1, 2023 Surface Water Treatment Rule Monitoring Resolved

Contaminants Detected

The following contaminants have been flagged in EPA records for this water system:

Contaminant Category Violations Health-Based
Surface Water Treatment Rule Treatment Failure 5 No
Lead and Copper Rule Treatment Failure 4 No
Stage 2 DBP Rule Treatment Failure 2 Yes
Revised Total Coliform Rule Microbiological 1 No
Contaminant 0700 Other Violation 1 No

Lead & Copper

EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data for ZIP codes served by this system:

ZIP Code Lead Level Exceeds Limit Sample Date
87524 0.002 mg/L No N/A

Radon Risk in Service Area

Dominant radon zone for ZIP codes served by this system: Zone 1 (High Risk)

The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.

Need help with your water quality?

Typical cost: Water test: typically $20–$50 (DIY kit) · Professional inspection: $150–$400

Find the Right Water Filter

Free tip: Let cold water run for 2 minutes before drinking — this helps flush lead from your pipes.

ZIP Codes Served

Data Sources

This report uses public data from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS). View the full compliance record for Costilla Mdwca (NM3505929) on EPA.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Costilla Mdwca water safe to drink?

Costilla Mdwca has recorded 1 health-based violation in the past 5 years. While the system is required to treat water to meet federal standards, you may want to consider additional precautions such as a certified water filter.

How many people does Costilla Mdwca serve?

Costilla Mdwca serves approximately 244 people across 2 ZIP codes in New Mexico.

Where does Costilla Mdwca get its water?

The primary water source is groundwater.

Water Source & Treatment

Where this water originates and how it's treated before reaching your tap.

Source
Groundwater
Drawn from underground aquifers via wells.
Disinfectant used
Chlorine

Source: COSTILLA MDWCA Consumer Confidence Report.

ZipCheckup is not affiliated with this water utility. Treatment and source data are sourced from the utility's published CCR filings.

Treatment regime

How this utility classifies its treatment process and what each reported treatment chemical does.

Treatment classification
Standard
Disinfection plus one or more treatment additives — typically corrosion control, pH adjustment, or fluoridation. Standard regime for utilities serving treated municipal water.

Treatment classification and chemical list sourced from COSTILLA MDWCA Consumer Confidence Report.

Treatment intensity is a ZipCheckup-derived classification based on the chemicals and processes the utility reports. Chemicals and contamination sources are taken verbatim from the utility's CCR filing. Routine federal monitoring and contaminant testing shown elsewhere on this page determine whether the water meets safety standards, not the treatment classification.

Notable events and violations

This section summarizes events the utility chose to disclose in its most recent Consumer Confidence Report, plus any federal compliance violations the utility recorded against itself. Both lists are utility-authored — ZipCheckup does not audit, judge, or reorder them.

Federal compliance violations on record

These entries are taken verbatim from the utility's CCR violations section. EPA defines four broad violation categories: Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), Treatment Technique (TT), Monitoring & Reporting (M&R), and Public Notification (PN).

  • monitoring
    2024-04-07
    FAILURE TO CONSULT, GWR
  • reporting
    2021-10-06
    PUBLIC NOTICE RULE NOT LINKED VIOLATION

Violations record from COSTILLA MDWCA Consumer Confidence Report.

ZipCheckup note: items above reflect what the utility published in its most recent CCR. Federal violation records are also tracked separately by the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) — the SDWIS record is the authoritative federal source for any specific regulatory action.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is water from Costilla Mdwca safe to drink?
Costilla Mdwca has a D safety grade based on 13 recorded violations. Some contaminants may exceed EPA limits — independent testing is recommended.
What contaminants are in Costilla Mdwca's water?
Detected contaminants include Surface Water Treatment Rule, Lead and Copper Rule, Stage 2 DBP Rule, Revised Total Coliform Rule. Each is compared against EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) in the detailed breakdown above.
Should I use a water filter?
Given 5 contaminants above EPA limits, a certified water filter can provide an extra layer of protection. The best type depends on specific contaminants in your water.
How many people does Costilla Mdwca serve?
Costilla Mdwca serves approximately 244 people with drinking water across 2 ZIP codes.
What is Costilla Mdwca's water source?
Costilla Mdwca draws water from groundwater sources. Source type affects which contaminants are most likely to be present.
Is there lead in Costilla Mdwca's water?
The maximum detected lead level is 0.002 mg/L. This is within EPA action level guidelines.
Where does Costilla Mdwca get its water?
Costilla Mdwca's water is pumped from underground aquifers. Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil, but it can be vulnerable to PFAS contamination, nitrates from agriculture, and industrial chemicals that seep into the water table. Based on violation history and environmental factors, the source contamination risk is currently elevated.

What You Can Do

1

Test your water

Home test kits can detect lead, bacteria, and other contaminants at your tap. Find the right filter →

2

Check your specific ZIP code

Water quality can vary within a system. View nearest ZIP report →

3

Contact your utility

Costilla Mdwca (EPA ID: NM3505929) — request the latest Consumer Confidence Report or ask about specific contaminants.

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