Ratcliff, AR: 1 Health Violation — 83/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 4 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
How does Ratcliff tap water hold up under EPA scrutiny? Above average for AR — documented violations are uncommon and the safety grade reflects a clean overall record.
How Ratcliff Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Ratcliff Water
- Your city's water systems recorded 1 violation in the past 5 years.
- Homes built before 1986: 59% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $300 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 15.71 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Ratcliff
Water supply in Ratcliff, AR follows a divided structure: 3 utilities account for the largest share of residential service out of 4 total systems, each managing its own distribution network and EPA reporting. Because these systems operate independently, rate decisions and compliance outcomes are determined separately.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Ratcliff, Arkansas (population ~561), covering 4 community water systems serving approximately 7,312 people region-wide.
1 of 1 ZIP code (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 1 health-based violation documented.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Ratcliff: B (83/100)
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
Ratcliff water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Ratcliff
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 3 (Low Risk)
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 2 | 1 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 72951 | B | 1 | 1 | Ratcliff Waterworks |
All ZIP Codes in Ratcliff
- 72951 [B] — 1 violation ⚠
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.
Health Outcomes in Ratcliff
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
Top Contaminants in Ratcliff Water
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Housing & Infrastructure in Ratcliff
With 59% 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
Decades of residential development in Ratcliff took place before the two main regulatory milestones that reduced plumbing-era lead risk: the phase-out of lead pipes before 1970, and the federal ban on lead solder in 1986. With a median build year of 1987, the housing stock here is anchored in that earlier period. The distinction between pre-1970 and 1970-to-1986 construction matters: the oldest homes may have lead pipes in the service line and lead solder in the copper joints, while the 1970-to-1986 tier still carries the solder risk even after lead pipes became less common. Together, these two risk layers affect a majority of the residential properties in the city — a fact the aggregate water quality data doesn't directly reveal.
Over half of homes in Ratcliff 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.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Ratcliff Homeowners
Within the Ratcliff market, estimated remediation claims a small portion of typical property equity — the financial burden is proportionally low.
Remediation costs in Ratcliff are relatively low compared to home values. The $150–$600 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 0% above the Arkansas average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Ratcliff
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.
Although utility-side compliance with federal Lead and Copper requirements remains the system reference, that compliance does not extend down into interior plumbing. With 59% of Ratcliff stock built before the solder ban and aggregate readings at or beyond the action mark, a household-level sample becomes the practical way to close that information gap.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Ratcliff, AR