Arkansas Tap Water Quality Rankings 2026: 26th in Nation | WaterQ
Arkansas ranks 26th out of the 50 states for drinking water quality, receiving a B grade with an average score of 82. The state's 374 water systems serve a population of 2,892,297 residents. Over the tracked period, these systems recorded a total of 10,651 violations.
Key Findings for Arkansas
Reviewing EPA SDWIS data for 2026, here's what defines Arkansas's water quality landscape:
- Agricultural activity, particularly poultry and rice farming in the region, can contribute to fertilizer and pesticide runoff that affects nearby water sources.
- The Ozark uplands topography and karst geology make groundwater systems vulnerable to surface contamination from agricultural and domestic runoff.
- With hundreds of distinct water systems across the state, localized infrastructure challenges can occasionally lead to elevated disinfection byproducts or disinfection failures.
Most Common Contaminants in Arkansas
Here's what Arkansas residents should know about the contaminants most relevant to their water:
Nitrate
Often originating from agricultural fertilizers and animal waste runoff, nitrate can leach into groundwater aquifers, particularly in farming regions.
Disinfection Byproducts
Formed when disinfectants like chlorine react with naturally occurring organic matter in source water, which is common in surface water reservoirs.
Total Coliform
A group of bacteria that can indicate potential contamination from agricultural runoff or breaches in aging distribution infrastructure.
Arkansas's Best and Worst Cities for Water Quality
Water quality details can vary significantly depending on your local utility provider. Please refer to our database's Arkansas state page for a comprehensive, city-by-city breakdown of water quality reports and violations. Explore the full breakdown on our Arkansas water systems page.
What Arkansas Residents Should Do
Given Arkansas's 26th place ranking, here's what matters most for residents:
- Retrieve and review the annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) published by your local water utility.
- Test private well water annually for nitrate, bacteria, and other common agricultural contaminants.
- Utilize a certified point-of-use water filter tailored to remove contaminants identified in your local water system.
- Check the EPA's violation database regularly to stay updated on your local system's compliance status.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Arkansas water quality compare to other states?
Arkansas ranks 26th out of the 50 states evaluated, placing it in the middle tier nationally. The state has an average drinking water score of 82, earning it a grade of B.
What are the most common contaminants in Arkansas tap water?
In Arkansas, potential water concerns often align with agricultural activities and water treatment. These include nitrate from runoff, disinfection byproducts from chemical treatment of organic-rich surface waters, and coliform bacteria.
Is it safe to drink tap water in Arkansas?
Generally, Arkansas tap water is safe to drink, as reflected by its B grade and average score of 82. However, because 10,651 violations have been recorded across the state's 374 water systems, safety can vary, and residents should check local reports.
Source: EPA SDWIS 2026 Compliance Data and WaterQ National Database. For more information on our ranking process, visit our state rankings page.