Ulm, AR Water Safety: 88/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Ulm tap water earns a high safety grade — above-average compliance with AR and federal standards.
How Ulm Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Ulm Residents
- Homes built before 1986: 61% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- CDC health risk index: 16.17 — above typical levels.
Ulm's Water Providers
As of current federal records, Ulm, AR is served primarily by one water utility among 1 tracked system. That single provider handles infrastructure investment, rate adjustments, and regulatory reporting under EPA oversight.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Ulm, Arkansas, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 176 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Ulm — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Ulm: A (88/100)
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
Ulm water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Ulm
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 72170 | A | Ulm Waterworks | 216 |
All ZIP Codes in Ulm
- 72170 [A]
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.
Ulm 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
Ulm Infrastructure Age
With 61% 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
When more than half a city's housing predates the 1986 federal ban on lead solder, plumbing-era lead risk becomes a citywide concern rather than an exception. Ulm's median build year of 1976 places it squarely in that category.
Over half of homes in Ulm 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.
Ulm: 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.
Older stock in Ulm represents 61% of the inventory, and citywide monitoring runs at or above the federal action level — making an in-home read a standard household-level step.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Ulm, AR