Caldwell, AR Water Safety: 87/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Caldwell, AR: reliable drinking water, above-average safety record, few violations.
How Caldwell Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Caldwell Water
- Homes built before 1986: 29% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 17.66 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Caldwell
While 1 water system appear in federal records for Caldwell, AR, one provider supplies the majority of residential connections — making it the central point of infrastructure and compliance accountability for most households.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Caldwell, Arkansas (population ~89), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 1,585 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Caldwell — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Caldwell: A (87/100)
The score combines three factors:
| Factor | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Water Quality | EPA violations and compliance history |
| Lead Levels | 90th percentile lead concentration vs EPA action level |
| Radon Risk | EPA radon zone classification |
Water Sources
Caldwell water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Caldwell
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 3 (Low Risk)
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 72322 | A | Caldwell Water | 1,585 |
All ZIP Codes in Caldwell
- 72322 [A]
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
Updated daily.
Health Outcomes in Caldwell
Source: CDC PLACES (County-level estimates). Water contamination can correlate with respiratory and chronic health conditions.
Compared to National Average
Vertical line = national average. ■ Above national · ■ Below national
Housing & Infrastructure in Caldwell
Housing age data helps assess potential lead pipe and infrastructure risks. Newer housing stock generally means lower plumbing-related contamination risk.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
The median home in Caldwell was built in 2008, after the federal ban on lead solder in plumbing. Most of the housing stock postdates that cutoff, placing typical plumbing risk on the lower end — though any home built before 1986 still warrants individual testing.
Most homes in Caldwell were built after 1986, reducing the risk of lead contamination from plumbing. Older homes should still be tested.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Caldwell Homeowners
The equity impact of remediation in Caldwell sits at a moderate level — real enough to plan for, within reach for most.
Remediation costs are moderate relative to home values in Caldwell. The estimated $800–$1,800 range is manageable for most homeowners but still worth budgeting for. Home values are 49% below the Arkansas average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Caldwell
Why children are most at risk: The CDC states there is no safe level of lead exposure for children. Children under 6 absorb lead more readily than adults, and even low levels can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems.
If aggregate samples sit below the EPA action level and just 29% of Caldwell's inventory comes from the pre-rule era, systemic lead is not a dominant local concern. The aggregate still cannot tell a homeowner what is actually flowing from a specific faucet on a specific morning, which is why an in-home draw exists as a separate measurement at the household tier.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Flood & Climate Risk in Caldwell
The NFIP claim record for Caldwell — 2 filed incidents — reflects genuine, recurring flood exposure rather than an isolated event or two. When a community accumulates flood claims at this volume and carries 100% of its ZIP codes inside FEMA-designated zones, flood history starts to factor into water quality planning in ways it doesn't for lower-exposure areas. Flooding introduces specific contamination pathways — runoff overwhelming treatment facility intake, surface water infiltrating private wells, and pressure disruptions in distribution systems allowing backflow — all of which become more relevant as flood frequency increases.
Caldwell has a moderate flood history with 2 FEMA claims averaging $2,774 per payout. 100% of ZIP codes fall within FEMA flood zones. Flood events can contaminate drinking water and overwhelm treatment systems.
How flooding affects water quality: Flood events can introduce sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial chemicals into water supplies. Even after floodwaters recede, contamination can persist in wells and aging infrastructure. Flood damage can add significantly to the estimated <strong>$1,200</strong> remediation cost per household.
Residents in flood-prone areas should consider flood insurance even outside FEMA zones — over 25% of flood claims come from low-to-moderate risk areas. After any flood event, test your water before drinking.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Caldwell, AR