Saffell, AR Water Safety: 53/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 3 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
The latest EPA cycle for Saffell shows a low safety grade within AR — compliance gaps have persisted over multiple reporting periods, and the city currently holds a low grade in available EPA data.
How Saffell Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Saffell Residents
- Homes built before 1986: 43% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $400 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 15.21 — above typical levels.
Saffell's Water Providers
Federal drinking water records identify 3 systems in Saffell, AR. The leading 3 providers serve the largest share of residential connections, each operating as a separate entity with its own rate authority, infrastructure management, and EPA compliance obligations — so service conditions are not uniform city-wide.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Saffell, Arkansas (population ~337), covering 3 community water systems serving approximately 4,327 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Saffell — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Saffell: D (53/100)
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
Saffell water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Saffell
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 2 (Moderate Risk)
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 72572 | D | Strawberry Waterworks | 954 |
All ZIP Codes in Saffell
- 72572 [D]
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.
Saffell 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
Saffell Infrastructure Age
With 43% 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
Tap water lead levels are shaped by two factors: what the utility delivers, and what the household plumbing adds to it. Older homes contribute disproportionately to that second variable because lead solder was standard in copper plumbing before 1986, and lead pipes were common before 1970. In Saffell, where the median build year is 1997, a substantial share of the housing stock falls into these older categories. The bar chart above breaks out the pre-1970, 1970-to-1986, and post-1986 segments — the key ages for understanding where plumbing-era risk concentrates across the city.
Most homes in Saffell 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.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Saffell
In Saffell, property values comfortably outpace what documented remediation typically costs — the equity share is proportionally low.
Remediation costs in Saffell are relatively low compared to home values. The $0–$800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 18% above the Arkansas average.
Saffell: 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.
Before the federal solder ban, lead solder was a routine plumbing material, and 43% of the Saffell inventory was built in that earlier era — a share large enough to move household-level reads onto the standard list.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Saffell
- 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 43% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
- Review your water system's CCR. Your utility publishes an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results. Request it or find it online.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Saffell, AR