Is Peridot, AZ Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
78.1/100
waterverge.com Peridot, AZ — Water Quality Report
Peridot's drinking water received a grade of B (78.1 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,085 residents using purchased ground water.
Lead levels were measured at 5.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 13 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Peridot's water
Peridot ranks #128 out of 292 cities in Arizona for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Peridot purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
As a small community water system, Peridot may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Peridot, AZ water safe to drink?
Peridot's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (78.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,085 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Peridot
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Peridot's water quality assessment. Grade: B (78.1/100).
Contaminants: Chlorine.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3241). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-977). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Peridot's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Peridot's water system has 13 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 7 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Gila County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 1970. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include San Carlos River, San Carlos Reservoir, Gila River Below Coolidge Dam, Az..
Where does Peridot's water come from?
Peridot's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,085 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include San Carlos River (river), San Carlos Reservoir (lake), Gila River Below Coolidge Dam, Az. (river).
What Peridot residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Peridot's water.
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Peridot's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Flood & disaster history
Gila County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 1970. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Peridot's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 5.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.52 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.520 mg/L (2016)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Peridot compares by contaminant
Explore where Peridot ranks among all Arizona cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Peridot's water comes from
Peridot purchases its water supply from a regional wholesale provider rather than treating raw water directly.
Water quality depends on both the wholesaler's treatment standards and the condition of Peridot's local distribution pipes and storage facilities.
Purchased water systems are common in suburban areas and smaller communities that lack the infrastructure for independent treatment.
The system is operated by public/private ownership and serves approximately 2,085 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Peridot
Peridot is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Peridot
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Carlos Apache Health Center | 090400740 | 2,085 | GWP |
How Peridot compares
Full Arizona rankings →Peridot's score of 78.1/100 is above the average of 42/100 among major Arizona cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Arizona rankings →ZIP codes served by Peridot
The water system serving Peridot covers 1 ZIP code. Select any ZIP to see which water systems serve that area.
About Peridot, AZ
Wikipedia →Peridot is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Gila and Graham counties in the U.S. state of Arizona. The population was 1,350 at the 2010 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Peridot's water quality findings.
Frequently asked questions
Is Peridot, AZ tap water safe to drink?
Peridot's water quality earned a grade of B (78.1/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #128 out of 292 cities tested in Arizona.
What contaminants are in Peridot's water?
Lead was measured at 5.0 ppb (90th percentile). 13 violations are on record.
How is Peridot's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Peridot?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Peridot's water come from?
Peridot's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,085 residents.
What health violations has Peridot's water system had?
Peridot has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 7 violations remain unresolved.
Is Peridot's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Peridot uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 13 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Peridot's water compare to other cities?
Peridot ranks #128 out of 292 cities in Arizona (better than 56% of state cities) and #8792 out of 15744 cities nationally (44th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Peridot's small water system affect quality?
Peridot's system serves approximately 2,085 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 13 violations on record.