Is Red Mesa, AZ Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 54 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
49/100
waterverge.com Red Mesa, AZ — Water Quality Report
Red Mesa's drinking water received a grade of D (49 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,923 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 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 448 violations on record, including 33 health-based violations. 54 remain unresolved.
What to know about Red Mesa's water
Red Mesa ranks #201 out of 292 cities in Arizona for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
As a small community water system, Red Mesa may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 25 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Red Mesa, AZ water safe to drink?
Red Mesa's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (49/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,923 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Red Mesa
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Red Mesa's water quality assessment. Grade: D (49/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Arsenic, Public Notice.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Arsenic, Public Notice.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4620). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3241). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Red Mesa's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Red Mesa's water system has 448 total violations on record, including 33 health-based violations. 54 remain unresolved. 25 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Apache County has experienced 6 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.
Where does Red Mesa's water come from?
Red Mesa's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,923 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Red Mesa residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Red Mesa'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.
Red Mesa'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
Apache County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1970. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
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. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Red Mesa compares by contaminant
Explore where Red Mesa ranks among all Arizona cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Red Mesa's water comes from
Red Mesa's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by native american ownership and serves approximately 1,923 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Red Mesa
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red Mesa NTUA | NN4903017 | 1,023 | SWP |
| Red Mesa Public Schools | NN0400299 | 900 | SWP |
How Red Mesa compares
Full Arizona rankings →Red Mesa's score of 49/100 is above the average of 42/100 among major Arizona cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Arizona rankings →About Red Mesa, AZ
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Red Mesa's water quality findings.
Frequently asked questions
Is Red Mesa, AZ tap water safe to drink?
Red Mesa's water quality earned a grade of D (49/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #201 out of 292 cities tested in Arizona.
What contaminants are in Red Mesa's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 448 violations are on record.
How is Red Mesa'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 Red Mesa?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Red Mesa's water come from?
Red Mesa's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,923 residents.
What health violations has Red Mesa's water system had?
Red Mesa has 33 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 54 violations remain unresolved.
How does Red Mesa's water compare to other cities?
Red Mesa ranks #201 out of 292 cities in Arizona (better than 31% of state cities) and #13352 out of 15744 cities nationally (15th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.