Is Tonalea, Red Lake, AZ Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 11 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
80.5/100
waterverge.com Tonalea, Red Lake, AZ — Water Quality Report
Tonalea, Red Lake's drinking water received a grade of B+ (80.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,446 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.2 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 106 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 11 remain unresolved.
What to know about Tonalea, Red Lake's water
Tonalea, Red Lake ranks #115 out of 292 cities in Arizona for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Tonalea, Red Lake 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.
As a small community water system, Tonalea, Red Lake may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Tonalea, Red Lake, AZ water safe to drink?
Tonalea, Red Lake's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (80.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,446 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Tonalea, Red Lake
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Tonalea, Red Lake's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (80.5/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
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 Tonalea, Red Lake's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Tonalea, Red Lake's water system has 106 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 11 remain unresolved. 5 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 Tonalea, Red Lake's water come from?
Tonalea, Red Lake's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,446 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Tonalea, Red Lake residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Tonalea, Red Lake'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.
Tonalea, Red Lake'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. | 3.2 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Tonalea, Red Lake compares by contaminant
Explore where Tonalea, Red Lake ranks among all Arizona cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Tonalea, Red Lake's water comes from
Tonalea, Red Lake'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 native american ownership and serves approximately 1,446 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Tonalea, Red Lake
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tonalea-Red Lake NTUA | NN0400379 | 1,146 | GW |
| Tonalea (Red Lake) Day School BIA | NN0433013 | 300 | GW |
How Tonalea, Red Lake compares
Full Arizona rankings →Tonalea, Red Lake's score of 80.5/100 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 Tonalea, Red Lake's water quality findings.
Frequently asked questions
Is Tonalea, Red Lake, AZ tap water safe to drink?
Tonalea, Red Lake's water quality earned a grade of B+ (80.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #115 out of 292 cities tested in Arizona.
What contaminants are in Tonalea, Red Lake's water?
Lead was measured at 3.2 ppb (90th percentile). 106 violations are on record.
How is Tonalea, Red Lake'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 Tonalea, Red Lake?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Tonalea, Red Lake's water come from?
Tonalea, Red Lake's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,446 residents.
What health violations has Tonalea, Red Lake's water system had?
Tonalea, Red Lake has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in February 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 11 violations remain unresolved.
Is Tonalea, Red Lake's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Tonalea, Red Lake 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 106 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 Tonalea, Red Lake's water compare to other cities?
Tonalea, Red Lake ranks #115 out of 292 cities in Arizona (better than 61% of state cities) and #7844 out of 15744 cities nationally (50th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.