Water Quality in Little Rock, AR: 5 Violations - Grade N/A

Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)

Water Quality Overview

Little Rock, Arkansas has directly mapped EPA water-system data for 12 ZIP codes. This page reports typed compliance facts and does not relabel the multi-source Home Safety Score as a drinking-water grade.

The available EPA records report 5 violations (all classified as monitoring/reporting type in the available record) across 12 directly mapped ZIP records with reported counts.

Lead Levels

The average 90th percentile lead level across Little Rock water systems is 0.0011 mg/L - within EPA limits. No exceedances appear among the 12 ZIP records with known lead status.

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.

Water Systems Serving Little Rock

Little Rock is served by 7 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 218,724 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 5 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

1. Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels and violation history

2. Request your CCR - your water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results for all monitored contaminants

3. 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

4. Consider filtration - NSF-certified filters can remove specific contaminants. Reverse osmosis removes the broadest range; activated carbon is effective for chlorine and many organics

5. Check for advisories - monitor your local utility website and local news for boil water advisories or system alerts

Contaminants Detected in Little Rock Water Systems

The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Little Rock's water systems:

MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.

EPA Enforcement History

The EPA and state regulators have taken 5 enforcement actions against water systems serving Little Rock. Recent actions:

Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2026-03-03.

Little Rock vs. Nearby Arkansas Cities

How Little Rock's water quality compares to similar cities in Arkansas:

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:
  • Aquasana AQ-5200
  • Aquasana EQ-1000 Rhino

Water Quality by ZIP Code in Little Rock

EPA coverage and recorded violations can differ across Little Rock's ZIP codes. Missing counts are shown as unavailable, not zero:

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 7 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.

Can I drink Little Rock tap water? City-level EPA records cannot determine safety at a specific tap. No health-based violations are recorded across 12 directly mapped ZIP records with known counts, but this is not a property-level safety guarantee.

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. EPA water-system coverage is available for 12 directly mapped ZIP codes. 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

Source reporting periods vary. See each cited source for its publication schedule.