Water Quality in Oden, AR: 6 Violations — Grade D
Grade D · Score 41/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-05-03
Oden's water has significant violations. Water testing and filtration are recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Tracked under the EPA Safe Drinking Water program, Oden, AR shows 6 water violations on file — findings that span multiple violation categories and are detailed system by system in the data grid further down the page.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Oden
Water quality varies across Oden's 2 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 71966 | F | 35 | 3 | 3 | View report → |
| 71961 | D | 46 | 3 | 3 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Oden.
Water Quality Overview
Oden, Arkansas receives a water quality grade of D with an overall score of 41 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 1 water system serving Oden have accumulated 6 EPA violations, including 6 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 2 ZIP codes serving approximately 393 people.
What Grade D Means
A grade of D indicates significant compliance issues. Oden's water systems have accumulated violations that suggest ongoing water quality challenges. Residents should check their specific ZIP code report and consider water testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Oden water systems is 0.0400 mg/L — this exceeds the EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L. 2 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 56% of homes built before 1986, Oden 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
Oden is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.
Water Systems Serving Oden
Oden is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 393 people across 2 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 16 enforcement actions against water systems serving Oden. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Oden
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
Contaminants Detected in Oden Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Oden's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.06 mg/L | 6 | 2 | Yes |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
Violation Trend Over Time
Year-by-year EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Oden:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2 | 2 |
| 2023 | 4 | 4 |
Violations have increased from 2 in 2022 to 4 in 2023. This trend warrants monitoring.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 8 enforcement actions against water systems serving Oden. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2024-08-30 | State Order Extension |
| 2023-09-06 | State Formal Action |
| 2023-08-28 | State Informal Action |
| 2023-08-15 | State Filed Motion |
| 2023-06-19 | State Informal Action |
| 2023-04-10 | State Informal Action |
| 2023-03-13 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2021-08-02 | State Order Extension |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2024-08-30.
Oden vs. Nearby Arkansas Cities
How Oden's water quality compares to similar cities in Arkansas:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oden | D | 6 | 1 | 393 |
| Pencil Bluff | D | 0 | 1 | 393 |
| Sims | D | 0 | 1 | 393 |
| Biscoe | A | 2 | 1 | 388 |
Common Questions About Oden Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Oden, Arkansas:
Is Oden water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Oden's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Oden tap water? Oden's water receives a grade of D (41/100). There are 6 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Oden? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Oden vs. Arkansas Average
Understanding how Oden 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 Oden.
ZIP Codes in Oden
Oden spans 2 ZIP codes. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 71961. 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.