Arkansas Water Quality Report 2026
Arkansas tap water is safe — softener may help based on our analysis of 7 water systems serving 685,029 residents. The average PurityMap score is 81.6/100 (Grade: B), which is 3.7 points above the national average.
- 1 cities (14%) have hard or very hard water (7+ GPG) which causes scale buildup and appliance damage.
- 7 cities use chloramine or have elevated chlorine residuals. Standard Brita pitchers do not remove chloramine.
A water softener is the most impactful investment for Arkansas residents in hard water areas. A basic carbon pitcher or faucet filter removes chlorine and improves taste.
Moderate
Arkansas is 3.7 points above the US average of 77.9/100. Hardness is 1.7 GPG below the US average of 6.3 GPG.
Cities ranked by lowest score. Click any city for the full report and filter recommendations.
| Rank | City | Score | Hardness | Lead | Key Issues |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jonesboro | 79/100 | 7.5 GPG | 2.0 ppb | Hard (7.5 GPG) |
| 2 | Little Rock | 82/100 | 3.2 GPG | 2.0 ppb | Lead 2.0 ppb |
| 3 | Fort Smith | 82/100 | 5.2 GPG | 2.5 ppb | Hardness 5.2 GPG, Lead 2.5 ppb |
| 4 | Fayetteville | 82/100 | 4.5 GPG | 1.8 ppb | Hardness 4.5 GPG |
| 5 | Springdale | 82/100 | 4.2 GPG | 1.8 ppb | Hardness 4.2 GPG |
| 6 | Rogers | 82/100 | 4.0 GPG | 1.5 ppb | Hardness 4.0 GPG |
| 7 | Conway | 82/100 | 3.8 GPG | 1.8 ppb | Hardness 3.8 GPG |
How Arkansas's 7 cities score on the PurityMap 0–100 scale:
Water quality for the most populated cities. Click any city for details.
| City | Population | Score | Hardness | Key Issues |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Little Rock | 203K | 82/100 | 3.2 GPG | — |
| Fayetteville | 94K | 82/100 | 4.5 GPG | — |
| Fort Smith | 88K | 82/100 | 5.2 GPG | — |
| Springdale | 84K | 82/100 | 4.2 GPG | — |
| Jonesboro | 79K | 79/100 | 7.5 GPG | Hard |
| Rogers | 71K | 82/100 | 4.0 GPG | — |
| Conway | 67K | 82/100 | 3.8 GPG | — |
1 of 7 cities (14%) in Arkansas have hard or very hard water (7+ GPG). Jonesboro has the hardest at 7.5 GPG. Cities: Jonesboro. A water softener is recommended.
Based on EPA UCMR5 data, PFAS have not been detected above advisory levels in any Arkansas cities in our database as of 2026.
All Arkansas cities have lead below 5 ppb. Average: 1.9 ppb. Individual homes with older plumbing may have higher levels.
Where Arkansas gets its drinking water, based on 7 water systems.
| Source Type | Cities | % of Total |
|---|---|---|
| Surface Water | 6 | 86% |
| Groundwater | 1 | 14% |
Arkansas water is generally good. A carbon pitcher filter improves taste.
| # | City | Pop. | Score | Hardness | Lead | PFAS | TDS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jonesboro | 79K | 79/100 | 7.5 GPG (Hard) | 2.0 ppb | ✅ No | 300 ppm |
| 2 | Little Rock | 203K | 82/100 | 3.2 GPG (Soft) | 2.0 ppb | ✅ No | 110 ppm |
| 3 | Fort Smith | 88K | 82/100 | 5.2 GPG (Moderate) | 2.5 ppb | ✅ No | 170 ppm |
| 4 | Fayetteville | 94K | 82/100 | 4.5 GPG (Moderate) | 1.8 ppb | ✅ No | 145 ppm |
| 5 | Springdale | 84K | 82/100 | 4.2 GPG (Moderate) | 1.8 ppb | ✅ No | 140 ppm |
| 6 | Rogers | 71K | 82/100 | 4.0 GPG (Moderate) | 1.5 ppb | ✅ No | 135 ppm |
| 7 | Conway | 67K | 82/100 | 3.8 GPG (Moderate) | 1.8 ppb | ✅ No | 125 ppm |
Arkansas has 7 utilities. Major: Central Arkansas Water, Fayetteville Water and Sewer, Fort Smith Water Utilities, Springdale Water Utilities, City of Jonesboro Water.
Sources: Lake Maumelle, White River tributaries, Arkansas River, Beaver Lake, Groundwater.
- EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System
- EWG Tap Water Database
- State utility Consumer Confidence Reports
- USGS regional water monitoring data
PurityMap compiles publicly available data and does not perform independent testing.
7 city water quality reports available for Arkansas.
Fayetteville Water Quality Report
Fort Smith Water Quality Report
Jonesboro Water Quality Report
Little Rock Water Quality Report
Rogers Water Quality Report
Springdale Water Quality Report
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