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Not health advice. Contact your local water utility for concerns.
Data from EPA Water Quality Reports. For official information, contact your water utility or health department.
Water quality scores for 20 cities in Arkansas
Across the 20 Arkansas water systems we track, the average water quality score is 83/100 — 11 points above the U.S. national average of 72/100. 85% of Arkansas cities (17 of 20) score above that national benchmark, and 8 earn a Grade A for clean, low-contaminant tap water.
The contaminants most commonly flagged in Arkansas water systems are nitrates (delta agriculture), disinfection byproducts (surface-water treatment) and lead (older plumbing). See the full breakdown in our Arkansas water quality rankings or compare against the cities with the best water quality in America.
See the top 20 cities with the cleanest, safest drinking water
Complete water quality rankings for every city in Arkansas
41,253 residents
29,908 residents
24,656 residents
28,442 residents
36,360 residents
84,161 residents
38,697 residents
32,731 residents
54,909 residents
78,576 residents
29,318 residents
93,949 residents
89,142 residents
71,000 residents
29,864 residents
66,776 residents
64,591 residents
30,104 residents
27,076 residents
202,591 residents
Arkansas has generally adequate water quality but contends with agricultural runoff in the eastern Delta, naturally occurring contaminants in groundwater, and many small rural water systems that can struggle with compliance and aging infrastructure. The state's varied geology—from the Ozarks to the Mississippi Alluvial Plain—produces a wide range of local water conditions.
Based on our analysis of 20 cities in Arkansas, the average water quality score is 83/100. 1 cities have water quality scores below 70, indicating potential concerns that residents should be aware of. The highest-rated city is Little Rock with a score of 69/100, while Pine Bluff has the most room for improvement at 97/100.
1 of the 20 Arkansas cities we analyzed score below 70/100. If your city is one of them, a certified filter matched to your local contaminants is the fastest way to reduce exposure. For lead and PFAS, look for an NSF 53 certified filter or a reverse osmosis system.
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Central Arkansas, including Little Rock, draws high-quality surface water from Lake Maumelle and Lake Winona. Eastern Arkansas relies heavily on the Mississippi River Valley Alluvial Aquifer, which is under stress from agricultural pumping, while the Ozark and Sparta aquifers serve other regions.
These contaminants have been detected in various Arkansas water systems
The Arkansas Department of Health regulates public drinking water in compliance with federal EPA standards and provides technical assistance to the state's many small water systems. Arkansas has worked to help under-resourced rural utilities meet disinfection byproduct and other monitoring requirements.
Disinfection byproducts can be elevated in systems treating organic-rich surface water. Agricultural eastern Arkansas faces nitrate pressure, and infants are most at risk. Small rural systems and private wells can be vulnerable to bacterial contamination, especially after flooding along the major rivers.
Arkansas residents on private wells should test annually for bacteria and nitrate. For disinfection byproducts and chlorine taste, an activated-carbon filter is effective; reverse osmosis handles nitrate and arsenic. Check your utility's Consumer Confidence Report for trihalomethane and haloacetic acid levels.
Most Arkansas cities have tap water that meets EPA safety standards. With an average score of 83/100 across 20 cities we analyzed, Arkansas generally has good water quality. However, water quality varies by location, so check your specific city's report.
The most common water quality concerns in Arkansas include nitrates (delta agriculture), disinfection byproducts (surface-water treatment), lead (older plumbing). These contaminants can come from natural sources, industrial activities, or aging infrastructure. Review your city's specific report to see which contaminants affect your area.
Whether you need a water filter depends on your specific location and health concerns. With 1 cities in Arkansas showing elevated contaminant levels, residents in those areas may benefit from filtration. Look for filters certified by NSF/ANSI to remove the specific contaminants found in your area.
Public water systems in Arkansas are required to provide annual Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs) to residents. You can usually find your report on your water utility's website, request it by phone, or access it through the EPA's database. Our city-level reports above summarize key information from these official sources.
Lead can be present in Arkansas water, primarily from older plumbing infrastructure. Homes built before 1986 may have lead pipes or lead solder. While water treatment plants remove lead, it can leach into water from service lines and home plumbing. Check your city's specific report for lead testing data, and consider having your tap water tested if you live in an older home.
PFAS ("forever chemicals") have been detected in water systems across the United States, including in Arkansas. These chemicals are associated with industrial sites, military bases, and firefighting foam use. The EPA has set new PFAS limits effective 2024. Check individual Arkansas city reports for PFAS testing results in your area.
Based on our analysis, Little Rock has the highest water quality score in Arkansas at 69/100 (Grade C+). However, "best" depends on your specific health concerns. View our Best Water Quality in Arkansas page for a complete ranking.
Public water systems in Arkansas are required by the EPA to test water regularly. Testing frequency depends on the contaminant: bacteria testing occurs daily to weekly, while chemical contaminants may be tested quarterly or annually. Results are published in annual Consumer Confidence Reports. Our site aggregates this data from EPA's SDWIS database.
Compare water quality across counties and find data for your area