Jefferson, AR Water Safety: 88/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Drinking water tracked for Jefferson by AR authorities posts above-average scores — the majority of systems are free from health-based exceedances and the city's grade sits above the state median.
How Jefferson Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Jefferson Water: The Quick Version
- Homes built before 1986: 18% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- CDC health risk index: 16.55 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Jefferson
Structurally, Jefferson, AR's water supply is divided. Federal data identifies 2 water systems in the area, with 2 providers serving the bulk of residential connections. These utilities operate independently, meaning rate-setting authority and EPA compliance accountability are distributed rather than centralized.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Jefferson, Arkansas (population ~302), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 5,374 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Jefferson — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Jefferson: A (88/100)
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
Jefferson water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Jefferson
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 72079 | A | Jefferson Public Water Authority | 2,551 |
All ZIP Codes in Jefferson
- 72079 [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.
CDC Health Data for Jefferson
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
How Old Is Jefferson'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
Lead solder was federally prohibited in new plumbing in 1986. In Jefferson, the median build year of 1992 puts a majority of homes in the lower-risk category for that specific contamination pathway — though the pre-1986 share shown above still carries real exposure potential at the individual household level.
Most homes in Jefferson 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.
Protecting Children from Lead in Jefferson
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.
Whenever aggregate samples pass the federal action benchmark and pre-rule housing — 18% in Jefferson — represents a smaller fraction, lead occupies a lower priority on 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 Jefferson, AR