Hickory Plains, AR Water Safety: 66/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Within Hickory Plains, water safety data for AR reveals moderate quality — federal standards are generally met, but documented exceptions exist in specific service areas.
How Hickory Plains Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Hickory Plains Residents
- Homes built before 1986: 30% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- CDC health risk index: 16.17 — above typical levels.
Hickory Plains's Water Providers
Multiple utilities divide Hickory Plains, AR's water service — 2 leading providers among 2 on the federal register.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Hickory Plains, Arkansas (population ~245), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 16,824 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Hickory Plains — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Hickory Plains: C (66/100)
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
Hickory Plains water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Hickory Plains
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 72066 | C | Des Arc Waterworks | 4,245 |
All ZIP Codes in Hickory Plains
- 72066 [C]
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.
Hickory Plains Community Health Snapshot
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
Hickory Plains Infrastructure Age
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
Lead solder was a standard plumbing material before 1986, when federal law prohibited its use in new residential construction. In Hickory Plains, the median build year of 1995 indicates that plumbing age is a material factor in local lead risk — with the pre-1986 share concentrated in specific neighborhoods and building types where older construction remains common.
Most homes in Hickory Plains 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.
Hickory Plains: Lead Risk & Vulnerable Populations
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.
Since the federal solder ban took effect, new plumbing has been built without that pathway, and Hickory Plains's pre-rule stock at 30% reflects a contained footprint.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Hickory Plains
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages — your tap may differ. NSF-certified test kits cost $20-40 and give results in days.
- Install a certified water filter. An NSF-certified pitcher or under-sink filter removes most common contaminants.
- Check your home's plumbing. Homes built before 1986 may have lead solder in pipes. A licensed plumber can assess your risk.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Hickory Plains, AR