WaterVerge

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 ↓

4K residents served 3 water systems PWSID: AZ0411160
Overall Score
53.5 / 100
Violations
31 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#176 of 292 in Arizona Top 81% nationally
Public/Private
High data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
D+GRADE
Water Quality Grade
53.5/100
waterverge.com
D+ 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.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

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.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
53.5 out of 100 Grade D+
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
8.2/45
F
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
15.2/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
5/10
D
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Red Rock, AZ water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

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).

31
Active Violations
0.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
7 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Red Rock

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Red Rock's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (53.5/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Public Notice.

Violation
3 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Public Notice, LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, Lead and Copper Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.

Disaster
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3241). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES & FLOODING

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.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 0.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

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.

OtherRPTMRTTMON
Most recent violations:
Nov 2025 Public Notice Open
Jul 2025 Public Notice Open
Jul 2025 LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS Open
Jul 2025 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Jan 2025 Lead and Copper Rule Open

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.

HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA DR-3241
SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES & FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-977
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-884

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

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Red Rock's water.

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
0.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 0% of limit
Safe Level
Chromium-6 (Hexavalent Chromium)
Inorganic
Detected
1.15 µg/L
CA MCL (no federal MCL): 10 µg/L · 12% of limit
DetectedUCMR 3 Data
Strontium
Inorganic
Detected
432.0 µg/L
EPA Health Ref Level: 1,500 µg/L · 29% of limit
DetectedUCMR 3 Data
Vanadium
Inorganic
Detected
8.66 µg/L
EPA Short-term HA: 21 µg/L · 41% of limit
DetectedUCMR 3 Data
Chlorate
Disinfection Byproduct
Over HA
222.0 µg/L
EPA Lifetime HA: 210 µg/L · +6% over limit
Over Health AdvisoryUCMR 3 Data
Molybdenum
Inorganic
Detected
3.52 µg/L
EPA Lifetime HA: 40 µg/L · 9% of limit
DetectedUCMR 3 Data
Compliance Record

Violation summary

87
Total violations
1
Health-based
31
Active / unresolved
Nov 2025
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

87 Total
31 Active
1 Health-based
56 Resolved
Violations by category
Volatile Organic Chemicals
20
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
11
Revised Total Coliform Rule
10
Nitrate Rule
10
Total Coliform Rule
10
Nov 2025 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jul 2025 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jul 2025 Active
LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS
Reporting
Reporting 0
Jul 2025 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jan 2025 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Dec 2024 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Nov 2024 Active
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Reporting
Reporting 0
Oct 2024 Active
LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Oct 2024 Active
LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS
Reporting
Reporting 0
Oct 2024 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Aug 2024 Active
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Reporting
Reporting 0
Oct 2023 Active
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Reporting
Reporting 0
Sep 2023 Active
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Reporting
Reporting 0
Nov 2022 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Aug 2018 Active
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Reporting
Reporting 0
Jun 2018 Active
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Reporting
Reporting 0
Jul 2017 Active
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Reporting
Reporting 0
Jul 2011 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 2010 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 2010 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Showing 20 of 87 violations
Site context

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.

Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List

Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D2 — severe drought

Pinal 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.

4
Weeks at D2+ (current streak)
44.8%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
4
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

7
Declared disasters
Sep 2005
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

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.

Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3241
Jan 1993
SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #977
Dec 1990
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #884
Oct 1983
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #691
Nov 1977
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #540
Jul 1972
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #343

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 0.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 2.0 ppb from 2002 (2.0 ppb) to 2025 (0.0 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Public/Private
Population Served
4,253
Water Systems
3
Source breakdown
Groundwater
2
Purchased Groundwater
1
Water Source

Where Red Rock's water comes from

Groundwater

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.

Local Hydrology

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.

Gila River
river
Infrastructure

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
Regional Comparison

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.

Red Rock (this city)
53.5
Phoenix
37.5
Tucson
38.1
Mesa
40.6
Chandler
40.5
Gilbert
34.8
Arizona avg
42
City Profile

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.

Economic Profile
$76,851
Median Income
$233,889
Median Home Value
$1,463/mo
Median Rent
5.7%
Unemployment
Community
39.3
Median Age
26
People / sq mi
29%
College Educated
89.9%
Homeownership
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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.