Powhatan, AR Water Safety: 73/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 3 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Powhatan tap water earns a high safety grade — above-average compliance with AR and federal standards.
How Powhatan Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Powhatan Water: The Quick Version
- Homes built before 1986: 48% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $2,500 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 16.45 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Powhatan
Water delivery in Powhatan, AR is handled by 3 utilities rather than a single system — drawn from 3 providers in federal records, each filing its own compliance reports and setting its own rates.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Powhatan, Arkansas (population ~619), covering 3 community water systems serving approximately 9,124 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Powhatan — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Powhatan: B (73/100)
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
Powhatan water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Powhatan
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 72458 | B | BLACK ROCK WATERWORKS | 1,034 |
All ZIP Codes in Powhatan
- 72458 [B]
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.
CDC Health Data for Powhatan
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
How Old Is Powhatan's Housing Stock?
With 48% 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
Pre-1986 construction carries elevated plumbing-era lead risk because lead solder was widely used before that federal ban. In Powhatan, the median build year of 1982 indicates a housing stock where that older fraction represents a significant share of the residential inventory.
Most homes in Powhatan were built after 1986, reducing the risk of lead contamination from plumbing. Older homes should still be tested.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
Powhatan: Remediation Cost in Perspective
At current Powhatan valuations, the remediation share sits in the elevated tier — a level where deliberate financial planning becomes a practical prerequisite rather than a convenience for most homeowners.
At 2.9% of home value, remediation costs in Powhatan represent a significant financial burden. For homes valued near the median, fixing water and safety issues could cost $1,800–$4,000. Home values here are 36% below the Arkansas average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Powhatan
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.
After the federal action removing lead-bearing solder from new plumbing took effect, building practice shifted — but 48% of the Powhatan inventory predates that line. With aggregate samples near or beyond 0.015 mg/L, an in-home check moves out of the optional column into the standard list.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Climate-Related Water Risk for Powhatan
Measured across the NFIP's multi-decade tracking period, Powhatan shows a moderate flood record — 1 claim and 100% of ZIP codes carrying FEMA flood zone status. For water quality, that combination matters because flood events at this frequency can periodically stress infrastructure: treatment plants, private wells, and distribution systems all face elevated risk during significant flooding.
Powhatan has a moderate flood history with 1 FEMA claims averaging $54,978 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>$2,500</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.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Powhatan, AR