Water Quality: Quemado, NM
5 water systems • 986 people served
Multiple Health ViolationsWater Quality Summary
Quemado is served by 5 public water systems with a combined service population of 986 people, and has 258 EPA Safe Drinking Water Act violations on record. Critically, 57 of those are health-based violations, meaning one or more contaminants were detected above EPA-established safe levels — a serious public health concern. Quemado's violation count is 53% above the national average for New Mexico. Contaminants associated with violations include Chlorine, Chlorine Dioxide, E. coli, Haloacetic Acids, Stage 2 DBP.
Contaminants Found
Eye and nose irritation at high levels; long-term exposure above the MCL may cause liver and kidney damage.
Common source: Water treatment disinfectant added to kill harmful microorganisms
EPA limit: 4.0 mg/L (MRDL — Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level)
Can cause anemia in infants and young children; may cause nervous system effects at high levels.
Common source: Water treatment disinfectant used to control taste, odor, and microorganisms
EPA limit: 0.8 mg/L
Causes gastrointestinal illness; certain strains (e.g., O157:H7) can cause severe kidney failure and death.
Common source: Fecal contamination from humans or animals entering the water supply
EPA limit: Zero (no E. coli permitted in drinking water)
Linked to increased cancer risk and potential reproductive and developmental effects with long-term exposure.
Common source: Reaction of chlorine disinfectants with organic matter in treated water
EPA limit: 0.060 mg/L (60 ppb)
Trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids that increase cancer risk and may cause adverse reproductive outcomes.
Common source: Chlorine disinfection reacting with natural organic matter in source water
EPA limit: TTHM: 0.080 mg/L; HAA5: 0.060 mg/L
Water Systems Serving Quemado
| System Name | PWSID | Source | Population | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| QUEMADO LAKE WATER ASSOCIATION | NM3580202 | Groundwater | 344 | 21 |
| QUEMADO MUTUAL WATER & SWA | NM3500202 | Groundwater | 286 | 32 |
| COYOTE CREEK MUTUAL DOMESTIC WUA | NM3500402 | Groundwater | 133 | 106 |
| SPRING CANYON RANCH | NM3500902 | Groundwater | 116 | 50 |
| PIE TOWN MDWCA | NM3523202 | Groundwater | 107 | 49 |
Concerned About Your Water?
A home water filter can remove common contaminants. NSF-certified filters are tested against EPA standards.
Consider a reverse osmosis system for comprehensive filtration or a carbon filter for basic improvement.
Other Cities in New Mexico
Data Sources
Drinking water violation data from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS). Data includes all recorded violations for active community water systems.