Is Sweetwater, Red Mesa, AZ Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+, with 15 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
68/100
waterverge.com Sweetwater, Red Mesa, AZ — Water Quality Report
Sweetwater, Red Mesa's drinking water received a grade of C+ (68 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,014 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 87 violations on record, including 18 health-based violations. 15 remain unresolved.
What to know about Sweetwater, Red Mesa's water
Sweetwater, Red Mesa ranks #153 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, Sweetwater, Red Mesa may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 11 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Sweetwater, Red Mesa, AZ water safe to drink?
Sweetwater, Red Mesa's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (68/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,014 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Sweetwater, Red Mesa
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Sweetwater, Red Mesa's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (68/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Arsenic.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Public Notice, Arsenic.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Public Notice, Arsenic.
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 Sweetwater, Red Mesa's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Sweetwater, Red Mesa's water system has 87 total violations on record, including 18 health-based violations. 15 remain unresolved. 11 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 Sweetwater, Red Mesa's water come from?
Sweetwater, Red Mesa's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,014 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Sweetwater, Red Mesa residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Sweetwater, 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.
Sweetwater, 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 Sweetwater, Red Mesa compares by contaminant
Explore where Sweetwater, Red Mesa ranks among all Arizona cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Sweetwater, Red Mesa's water comes from
Sweetwater, 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 2,014 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Sweetwater, Red Mesa
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sweetwater NTUA | NN0400399 | 2,014 | SWP |
How Sweetwater, Red Mesa compares
Full Arizona rankings →Sweetwater, Red Mesa's score of 68/100 is above the average of 42/100 among major Arizona cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Arizona rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Sweetwater, Red Mesa's water quality findings.
Frequently asked questions
Is Sweetwater, Red Mesa, AZ tap water safe to drink?
Sweetwater, Red Mesa's water quality earned a grade of C+ (68/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #153 out of 292 cities tested in Arizona.
What contaminants are in Sweetwater, Red Mesa's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 87 violations are on record.
How is Sweetwater, 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 Sweetwater, Red Mesa?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Sweetwater, Red Mesa's water come from?
Sweetwater, Red Mesa's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,014 residents.
What health violations has Sweetwater, Red Mesa's water system had?
Sweetwater, Red Mesa has 18 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. 15 violations remain unresolved.
How does Sweetwater, Red Mesa's water compare to other cities?
Sweetwater, Red Mesa ranks #153 out of 292 cities in Arizona (better than 48% of state cities) and #11143 out of 15744 cities nationally (29th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Sweetwater, Red Mesa's small water system affect quality?
Sweetwater, Red Mesa's system serves approximately 2,014 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 87 violations on record.