Water Quality in Little Rock, AR: No Violations — Grade B
Grade B · Score 84/100 · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Little Rock's water is mostly safe. Minor violations exist but are primarily monitoring-related.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
A clean federal EPA record is what the data shows for Little Rock, AR — 5 systems tracked across the full available compliance history, with no MCL exceedances, no unresolved monitoring gaps, and no enforcement proceedings documented at any stage.
Water Quality Map: Little Rock, AR
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Little Rock
Water quality varies across Little Rock's 25 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 72204 | B | 80 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 72205 | A | 85 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 72206 | A | 85 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 72209 | A | 85 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 72223 | A | 85 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 72202 | A | 90 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 72203 | A | 90 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 72207 | A | 90 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 72210 | A | 90 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 72211 | A | 90 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 72212 | A | 90 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 72227 | A | 90 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 72201 | A | 95 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 72214 | A | 95 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 72215 | A | 95 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Little Rock, Arkansas receives a water quality grade of B with an overall score of 84 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
No EPA violations have been recorded for the 5 water systems serving Little Rock. This is a positive indicator, though it does not guarantee the absence of all contaminants — some substances (like PFAS) are not yet fully regulated.
What Grade B Means
A grade of B indicates good compliance with EPA drinking water standards. While not perfect, Little Rock's water systems meet the vast majority of federal requirements. Minor violations may exist but typically relate to monitoring or reporting rather than health-based standards.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Little Rock water systems is 0.0010 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 62% of homes built before 1986, Little Rock 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.
Radon Risk
Little Rock is in EPA Radon Zone 1 (High risk). The EPA recommends all homes in Zone 1 areas be tested for radon. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.
Water Systems Serving Little Rock
Little Rock is served by 5 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 380,367 people across 25 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 25 enforcement actions against water systems serving Little Rock. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Little Rock
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
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 1 enforcement action against water systems serving Little Rock. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2021-05-03 | State Order Extension |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2021-05-03.
Little Rock vs. Nearby Arkansas Cities
How Little Rock's water quality compares to similar cities in Arkansas:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Little Rock | B | 0 | 5 | 380,367 |
| College Station | D | 0 | 1 | 368,455 |
| Maumelle | D | 0 | 1 | 368,455 |
| Sherwood | D | 0 | 1 | 368,455 |
Recommended Water Filters for Little Rock
Based on contaminants detected in Little Rock's water supply, these filter types are recommended:
Granular Activated Carbon (GAC, under-sink or whole-house)
- Removes: Haloacetic Acid HAA5
- Effectiveness: 60-80%
- Cost range: $100–$600
- Certification: NSF/ANSI 53
- Recommended products:
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Little Rock
Water quality varies across Little Rock's ZIP codes. The table below shows the worst-scoring and best-scoring areas:
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 72204 | 80 | B | 0 | 0 |
| 72205 | 85 | A | 0 | 0 |
| 72206 | 85 | A | 0 | 0 |
| 72209 | 85 | A | 0 | 0 |
| 72223 | 85 | A | 0 | 0 |
| 72202 | 90 | A | 0 | 0 |
| 72203 | 90 | A | 0 | 0 |
| 72207 | 90 | A | 0 | 0 |
| 72210 | 90 | A | 0 | 0 |
| 72211 | 90 | A | 0 | 0 |
| 72295 | 99 | A | 0 | 0 |
| 72260 | 99 | A | 0 | 0 |
| 72255 | 99 | A | 0 | 0 |
| 72225 | 99 | A | 0 | 0 |
| 72222 | 99 | A | 0 | 0 |
Common Questions About Little Rock Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Little Rock, Arkansas:
Is Little Rock water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Little Rock's 5 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Little Rock tap water? Little Rock's water receives a grade of B (84/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Little Rock? Based on detected contaminants, a granular activated carbon (gac, under-sink or whole-house) filter is most recommended. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Little Rock vs. Arkansas Average
Understanding how Little Rock 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 Little Rock.
ZIP Codes in Little Rock
Little Rock spans 25 ZIP codes. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your Water is Safe — Here's How to Keep It That Way
Grade B is excellent news. Here's what proactive homeowners do to maintain water quality:
Annual Water Testing
EPA recommends annual testing even with clean water. Home test kits: $20-$50. Catches changes before they become problems.
Maintenance Filtration
A basic carbon filter removes chlorine taste and catches emerging contaminants like PFAS that aren't yet fully regulated.
Plumbing Check
Even safe city water picks up lead from home pipes. If your home was built before 1986, a one-time pipe inspection is recommended.