Mc Gehee, AR Water Safety: 60/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Public water data for Mc Gehee, AR reveals a split picture — tap water quality varies meaningfully by service area and the city's grade reflects that variability.
How Mc Gehee Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Mc Gehee Residents
- Homes built before 1986: 72% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 18.81 — above typical levels.
Mc Gehee's Water Providers
Because residential water in Mc Gehee, AR flows primarily through a single utility, infrastructure decisions, rate-setting, and EPA compliance are all managed within one organizational structure. Federal records show 1 system active in the area, but one provider dominates the service landscape for most homes and apartments.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Mc Gehee, Arkansas, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 4,290 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Mc Gehee — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Mc Gehee: C (60/100)
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
Mc Gehee water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Mc Gehee
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 71654 | C | WKMM RURAL WATER ASSOCIATION | 310 |
All ZIP Codes in Mc Gehee
- 71654 [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.
Mc Gehee 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
Mc Gehee Infrastructure Age
With 72% of homes built before 1986, lead solder in plumbing is a potential concern. The EPA banned lead solder in 1986, but many older homes retain original plumbing.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
Because the majority of Mc Gehee's housing predates 1986, when lead solder was banned from new plumbing, the median build year of 1975 reflects a city where lead-era plumbing materials are common rather than exceptional.
Over half of homes in Mc Gehee were built before 1986, when lead solder was banned. Older plumbing may leach lead into drinking water, especially with corrosive water chemistry.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Mc Gehee
The equity-to-remediation ratio in Mc Gehee is moderate — worth planning for but within reach for most property owners.
Remediation costs are moderate relative to home values in Mc Gehee. The estimated $800–$1,800 range is manageable for most homeowners but still worth budgeting for. Home values are 29% below the Arkansas average.
Mc Gehee: 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.
Routinely in Mc Gehee, where 72% of housing predates the solder ban and aggregate utility readings hover near the federal threshold, a faucet-level draw functions as a standard household step for families with small kids.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Mc Gehee: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
Flood risk in Mc Gehee occupies the middle ground: 121 NFIP claims and 100% of local ZIP codes within FEMA flood zones. At that level, the risk pathways connecting flooding to water quality — treatment system stress, well infiltration, distribution backflow — become relevant considerations during significant flood events, even if day-to-day water quality is unaffected by flood history.
Mc Gehee has a moderate flood history with 121 FEMA claims averaging $15,118 per payout. 100% of ZIP codes fall within FEMA flood zones. Flood events can contaminate drinking water and overwhelm treatment systems.
How flooding affects water quality: Flood events can introduce sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial chemicals into water supplies. Even after floodwaters recede, contamination can persist in wells and aging infrastructure. Flood damage can add significantly to the estimated <strong>$1,200</strong> remediation cost per household.
Residents in flood-prone areas should consider flood insurance even outside FEMA zones — over 25% of flood claims come from low-to-moderate risk areas. After any flood event, test your water before drinking.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
What You Can Do in Mc Gehee
- 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. With 72% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Mc Gehee, AR