Water Quality in Branch, AR: 7 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 66/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-05-03
Branch's water has moderate compliance issues. Residents in affected areas should consider filtration.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Tracked under the EPA Safe Drinking Water program, Branch, AR shows 7 water violations on file — findings that span multiple violation categories and are detailed system by system in the data grid further down the page.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Branch
Water quality varies across Branch's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 72928 | C | 66 | 7 | 6 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Branch.
Water Quality Overview
Branch, Arkansas receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 66 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 1 water system serving Branch have accumulated 7 EPA violations, including 6 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 500 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Branch's water systems have some violations that warrant attention. While the water may still be safe for most people, residents in affected ZIP codes should consider additional testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
Lead testing data for Branch is currently being collected. The EPA requires all community water systems to test for lead under the Lead and Copper Rule.
With 63% of homes built before 1986, Branch has a higher-than-average risk of lead from older plumbing. Lead solder was banned in 1986, and homes built before this date may have lead in pipes, solder joints, or fixtures.
Water Systems Serving Branch
Branch is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 500 people across 1 ZIP codes.
Each water system is identified by a Public Water System ID (PWSID) and is required to:
- Test for over 90 regulated contaminants on a regular schedule
- Report results to the EPA and state regulators
- Issue an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to all customers
- Take corrective action when violations occur
The EPA has taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Branch. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Branch
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores
Request your CCR — your water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results for all monitored contaminants
Get a home test — certified kits cost $20–$50 and test for lead, bacteria, and common contaminants. Professional lab tests ($150–$400) cover a broader panel
Consider filtration — NSF-certified filters can remove specific contaminants. Reverse osmosis removes the broadest range; activated carbon is effective for chlorine and many organics
Check for advisories — monitor your local utility website and local news for boil water advisories or system alerts
Contaminants Detected in Branch Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Branch's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.06 mg/L | 6 | 1 | Yes |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
Violation Trend Over Time
Year-by-year EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Branch:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2 | 2 |
| 2022 | 2 | 2 |
| 2025 | 1 | 1 |
Violations have decreased from 2 in 2021 to 1 in 2025, indicating improving compliance.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Branch. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-09-09 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-06-18 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-06-12 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2023-09-11 | State Order Extension |
| 2023-03-10 | State Informal Action |
| 2022-08-26 | State Informal Action |
| 2022-08-26 | State Order Extension |
| 2021-11-10 | State Informal Action |
| 2021-09-02 | State Informal Action |
| 2021-07-30 | State Filed Motion |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-09-09.
Branch vs. Nearby Arkansas Cities
How Branch's water quality compares to similar cities in Arkansas:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Branch | C | 7 | 1 | 500 |
| Everton | B | 1 | 1 | 503 |
| Ogden | A | 0 | 1 | 495 |
| Calion | B | 0 | 1 | 494 |
Common Questions About Branch Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Branch, Arkansas:
Is Branch water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Branch's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Branch tap water? Branch's water receives a grade of C (66/100). There are 6 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Branch? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Branch vs. Arkansas Average
Understanding how Branch compares to the broader Arkansas average helps contextualize your local water quality. Factors like water source, treatment methods, and infrastructure age all contribute to differences between cities in the same state.
To see how individual neighborhoods compare, check the ZIP code reports below — water quality can vary significantly even within Branch.
ZIP Codes in Branch
Branch spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 72928. Each ZIP code has its own water quality profile based on the specific water system serving that area. Check each ZIP code for detailed contaminant data, violation history, and system information.
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
- Enforcement: EPA ECHO database
- Filter recommendations: NSF/ANSI certified products
Updated daily.