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WaterSafeCheck

ZIP Code 87581 Water Quality Report

Vallecitos, NM · Rio Arriba County County

Safety Score
F

Water Safety Grade

Failing — Serious compliance issues

Health Violations

0

Total Violations

14

Lead Risk

Very High

Contaminants

0

About Tap Water in ZIP Code 87581

Tap water in ZIP code 87581 (Vallecitos, NM) has received a failing F grade (score: 29/100) based on EPA compliance data. Vallecitos Mdwca has a significant history of water quality violations. Residents are strongly encouraged to use a certified water filter and contact their local water authority for current advisories.

Water System

Vallecitos Mdwca

EPA ID: NM3503521

Water Source

Surface Water

Population Served

84 residents

County

Rio Arriba County County, New Mexico

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Lead Levels in ZIP 87581

EPA action level: 15 ppb | Public health goal: 0 ppb

Lead Level: 11.0 ppb — Approaching Action Level

The 90th percentile lead level in 87581 is 11.0 ppb, approaching the EPA action level of 15 ppb. When a water system's 90th percentile exceeds this threshold, the utility is required to take corrective action including public notification and infrastructure upgrades. Residents — especially those with children or in homes built before 1986 — should use a certified lead-reducing filter (NSF/ANSI 53 or 58) for drinking and cooking water.

Lead exposure risk in 87581 is rated Very High. EPA models estimate a 86% probability of lead exposure risk in this ZIP code based on housing age, infrastructure age, and water system data. This is among the highest risk categories nationally, often associated with heavily aging infrastructure and pre-1986 construction. Do not give unfiltered tap water to children under 6 or pregnant women. Consider getting your home's plumbing tested for lead solder and fixtures.

Lead Level (90th percentile)
11.00 ppb (0.011 mg/L)
Lead Exposure Risk Rating
Very High
Lead Exposure Probability

EPA model estimate based on housing age and infrastructure

86%
Note: Lead levels above are the 90th percentile from EPA monitoring — meaning 90% of samples were at or below this level. Even "undetected" tap water lead doesn't account for lead leaching from home plumbing. If your home was built before 1986, individual tap testing is recommended.
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Violation History

Past 5 years — EPA SDWIS data

Vallecitos Mdwca has recorded 14 violations, but none are health-based. Administrative or reporting violations don't directly indicate unsafe water, but they do signal gaps in documentation or monitoring procedures. 7 violations are currently unresolved — meaning the issue has not yet been formally corrected in EPA records. This is a serious concern that residents should follow up on with their water utility.

Total Violations (5 yr)
14
Health-Based Violations
0
Unresolved Violations
7
Boil Water Advisories
0
Compliance Risk
High

Regulatory compliance risk is rated High. Vallecitos Mdwca has a pattern of compliance issues that goes beyond isolated incidents. Residents should stay informed via their utility's Consumer Confidence Report.

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Contaminants Detected

Contaminants with health-based violations on record

No health-based contaminant violations are on record for ZIP code 87581. This means EPA monitoring has not found levels of regulated contaminants exceeding the Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) set under the Safe Drinking Water Act — a positive indicator of water quality compliance.

⚖ Enforcement Actions

10 enforcement actions have been issued against Vallecitos Mdwca — a high number that reflects sustained compliance struggles. Enforcement actions escalate from administrative orders to financial penalties when utilities repeatedly fail to meet safe drinking water standards.
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Water Source & Environmental Factors

Surface Water

This system draws water from lakes, rivers, or reservoirs. Surface water is treated to remove sediment, microorganisms, and chemical contaminants before reaching taps.

Water Source Type
Surface Water
EPA Radon Zone

Highest potential

Zone 1

EPA Radon Zone 1 — highest potential for radon in indoor air. Homeowners should test their home for radon and consider mitigation if levels exceed 4 pCi/L.

🛡 What Should You Do? — ZIP 87581 Recommendations

  • 🚨 Install a certified NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 (reverse osmosis) filter immediately for drinking and cooking
  • 🚨 Do not give unfiltered water to children, pregnant women, or immunocompromised individuals
  • 🚨 Contact Vallecitos Mdwca to request the current violation status and corrective action plan
  • 🚨 Report concerns to your state environmental agency or call the EPA hotline: 1-800-426-4791
  • 🚨 Consider having your home's tap water independently tested by a certified lab

Frequently Asked Questions — ZIP 87581 Water Quality

Is tap water safe to drink in ZIP code 87581?+
Tap water in 87581 has a below-average water quality grade of F. While it is treated, there have been notable compliance issues. We strongly recommend using a certified NSF/ANSI 53 water filter for drinking and cooking, especially for vulnerable populations.
What is the lead level in 87581 tap water?+
The 90th percentile lead level in 87581 is 11.0 ppb (parts per billion). The EPA action level is 15 ppb. This is below the action level, but some health experts recommend a lead filter for families with young children.
Who provides tap water to 87581?+
Tap water in ZIP code 87581 is provided by Vallecitos Mdwca (EPA ID: NM3503521). This system serves approximately 84 residents. You can contact them directly for Consumer Confidence Reports, current advisories, and billing information.
What is the water source for 87581?+
ZIP code 87581 is served by surface water. Surface water systems draw from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs and must meet strict EPA treatment requirements including filtration and disinfection.
Does 87581 have any active water quality violations?+
Yes — there are currently 7 unresolved violations on record for this water system. Unresolved violations indicate issues that have not yet been formally corrected in EPA tracking systems. Contact Vallecitos Mdwca for the latest update.
How do I get a copy of my water quality report for 87581?+
Your water utility — Vallecitos Mdwca — is required by law to send you an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) by July 1 each year. You can also request it directly from the utility or find it online by searching "Vallecitos Mdwca Consumer Confidence Report." The EPA's ECHO database also has historical compliance data.
What water filter should I use in 87581?+
The right filter depends on what contaminants are present. For lead, look for a filter certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53. For chlorine byproducts (like THMs), NSF/ANSI 42 filters work well. For a broad range of contaminants including PFAS, look for NSF/ANSI 58 (reverse osmosis) systems. For ZIP code 87581, with a clean compliance record, a standard carbon block filter meeting NSF/ANSI 42 is a good choice for taste and as a precaution.
Is 87581 tap water safe for babies and infants?+
Infants are especially vulnerable to lead, nitrates, and microbial contaminants in drinking water. Given the detected lead level of 11.0 ppb in 87581, we recommend using a certified NSF/ANSI 53 water filter or certified bottled water for preparing infant formula. Always consult your pediatrician for guidance specific to your child's health.

Data Sources & Methodology

Water quality data for ZIP code 87581 is compiled from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), EPA ECHO enforcement database, UCMR5 unregulated contaminant monitoring, and Consumer Confidence Reports filed by Vallecitos Mdwca. Safety scores are composite metrics derived from violation history, lead levels, enforcement actions, and infrastructure risk indicators. Data reflects a 5-year monitoring window. Last dataset update: 2024. View EPA source data →