Water Quality in Pickens, AR: 59 Violations — Grade F
Grade F · Score 33/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-05-03
Pickens's water has serious compliance issues. Independent testing and filtration are strongly recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Reviewing EPA compliance files for Pickens, AR surfaces 59 documented water violations — each categorized by violation type and linked to the utility that drew the federal citation.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Pickens
Water quality varies across Pickens's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 71662 | F | 33 | 59 | 21 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Pickens.
Water Quality Overview
Pickens, Arkansas receives a water quality grade of F with an overall score of 33 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 1 water system serving Pickens have accumulated 59 EPA violations, including 21 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 49 people.
What Grade F Means
A grade of F indicates serious compliance issues. Pickens's water systems have substantial violations. Residents should strongly consider independent water testing and appropriate filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Pickens water systems is 0.0176 mg/L — this exceeds the EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L. 1 ZIP code exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 66% of homes built before 1986, Pickens 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 Pickens
Pickens is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 49 people across 1 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 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Pickens. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Pickens
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 Pickens Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Pickens's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chlorine residual | Disinfectant | 4 mg/L | 20 | 1 | Yes |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 15 | 1 | No |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 5 | 1 | Yes |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | Microbiological | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
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 Pickens:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 8 | 8 |
| 2025 | 7 | 7 |
Violations have decreased from 8 in 2024 to 7 in 2025, indicating improving compliance.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Pickens. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2024-12-18 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-08-30 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-04-15 | State Formal Action |
| 2024-03-25 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-03-01 | State Filed Motion |
| 2023-11-15 | State Informal Action |
| 2023-11-14 | State Filed Suit |
| 2021-06-07 | State Order Extension |
| 2021-04-21 | State Informal Action |
| 2021-04-13 | State Order Extension |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2024-12-18.
Pickens vs. Nearby Arkansas Cities
How Pickens's water quality compares to similar cities in Arkansas:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pickens | F | 59 | 1 | 49 |
| Clarkridge | D | 0 | 1 | 90 |
| Gamaliel | D | 0 | 1 | 90 |
| Gepp | D | 0 | 1 | 90 |
Common Questions About Pickens Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Pickens, Arkansas:
Is Pickens water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Pickens's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Pickens tap water? Pickens's water receives a grade of F (33/100). There are 21 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Pickens? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Pickens vs. Arkansas Average
Understanding how Pickens 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 Pickens.
ZIP Codes in Pickens
Pickens spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 71662. 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.