Is Red Rock, AZ Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+ — but Chlorate was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
53.5/100
Red Rock, AZ — Water Quality Report
Red Rock's drinking water received a grade of D+ (53.5 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 4,253 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 87 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 31 remain unresolved.
What to know about Red Rock's water
Red Rock ranks #176 out of 292 cities in Arizona for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Red Rock relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
Hexavalent chromium (chromium-6) was detected at 1.15 µg/L in UCMR 3 testing. While below California's 10 µg/L limit and with no federal MCL set, residents sensitive to this contaminant may consider reverse osmosis filtration.
The system has seen 24 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Red Rock, AZ water safe to drink?
Red Rock's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (53.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 4,253 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Red Rock
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Red Rock's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (53.5/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Public Notice, LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper 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 Red Rock's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Red Rock's water system has 87 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 31 remain unresolved. 24 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Pinal County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1966. 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 Gila River.
Where does Red Rock's water come from?
Red Rock's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 4,253 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Gila River (river).
What Red Rock residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Red Rock'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 Rock'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
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Red Rock
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- LUKACHUKAI MOUNTAINS MINING DISTRICT9.0 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtPinal County is currently in D2 (severe drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Pinal County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1966. 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Red Rock compares by contaminant
Explore where Red Rock ranks among all Arizona cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Red Rock's water comes from
Red Rock's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by public/private ownership and serves approximately 4,253 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Red Rock
Red Rock is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Red Rock
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GW SANTA CRUZ WATER CO - RED ROCK | AZ0411160 | 3,813 | GW |
| PICACHO PEAK RV RESORT | AZ0411547 | 400 | GWP |
| DAVIS RANCH LAND OWNERS | AZ0411090 | 40 | GW |
How Red Rock compares
Full Arizona rankings →Red Rock's score of 53.5/100 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 Rock, AZ
Wikipedia →Maricopa is a city in the Gila River Valley in Pinal County, Arizona, United States. With 76,654 residents as of 2024, Maricopa is the largest incorporated municipality in Pinal County.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Red Rock's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Pinal
Frequently asked questions
Is Red Rock, AZ tap water safe to drink?
Red Rock's water quality earned a grade of D+ (53.5/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #176 out of 292 cities tested in Arizona.
What contaminants are in Red Rock's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 87 violations are on record.
How is Red Rock'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 Rock?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Red Rock's water come from?
Red Rock's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 4,253 residents.
What health violations has Red Rock's water system had?
Red Rock has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 31 violations remain unresolved.
Is Red Rock's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Red Rock 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 87 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 Red Rock's water compare to other cities?
Red Rock ranks #176 out of 292 cities in Arizona (better than 40% of state cities) and #12676 out of 15744 cities nationally (20th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.