Emerson, AR: 1 Health Violation — 87/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 6 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
EPA compliance records for Emerson tell a largely clear story: violation rates are low, health-based exceedances are uncommon, and the city's grade puts it well above average within AR.
How Emerson Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Emerson Water: The Quick Version
- Your city's water systems recorded 14 violations in the past 5 years.
- Homes built before 1986: 35% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $300 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 14.72 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Emerson
6 water systems are tracked federally in Emerson, AR. The top 3 providers collectively serve most residential addresses, but because they operate independently, infrastructure maintenance standards and compliance histories differ from one service zone to another.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Emerson, Arkansas (population ~1,595), covering 6 community water systems serving approximately 16,796 people region-wide.
1 of 1 ZIP code (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 1 health-based violation documented.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Emerson: 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
Emerson water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Emerson
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 3 (Low Risk)
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Consumer Confidence Report Rule | Reporting | 22 | 1 |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | 4 | 1 |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 2 | 1 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 71740 | A | 14 | 1 | Emerson Waterworks |
All ZIP Codes in Emerson
- 71740 [A] — 14 violations ⚠
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.
CDC Health Data for Emerson
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
Key Contaminants Detected in Emerson
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
How Old Is Emerson's Housing Stock?
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
Two regulatory milestones define plumbing-era risk in residential housing: 1970, when lead pipes were still commonly installed for service lines, and 1986, when lead solder was banned from new copper plumbing. A median build year of 1996 places Emerson in the middle zone between those thresholds — with a meaningful share of housing predating both cutoffs. The distribution shown above breaks out those eras explicitly, clarifying where concentrated risk sits across the residential inventory.
Most homes in Emerson 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.
Emerson: Remediation Cost in Perspective
How much of a Emerson home's value does documented remediation represent? A small fraction — the equity share here is in the low tier, and from a household financial perspective, most property owners are considering a commitment that fits comfortably within standard planning rather than a decision that rises to the level of a material budget event or significant equity consideration.
Remediation costs in Emerson are relatively low compared to home values. The $150–$600 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 6% above the Arkansas average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Emerson
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.
35% of Emerson housing dates to the pre-rule era, alongside aggregate readings hovering at the federal action mark — household-level confirmation through a draw-test kit fits the local picture.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Emerson, AR