West Memphis, AR Water Safety: 88/100 (2026)
2 ZIP codes · 6 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
In current AR EPA data, West Memphis's tap water sits in the high-safety tier.
How West Memphis Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About West Memphis Water
- Average lead level: 0.001 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 16.27 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in West Memphis
3 independent water providers serve West Memphis, AR — 6 systems appear in federal records.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 2 ZIP codes in West Memphis, Arkansas (population ~24,182), covering 6 community water systems serving approximately 42,328 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in West Memphis — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for West Memphis: 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
West Memphis water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0010 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 3 (Low Risk)
- Zone 1 (High): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 2 ZIP codes
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 72301 | B | West Memphis Waterworks | 24,419 |
| 72303 | A | West Memphis Waterworks | 24,419 |
All ZIP Codes in West Memphis
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 West Memphis
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
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for West Memphis Homeowners
The equity impact of remediation in West Memphis sits at a moderate level — real enough to plan for, within reach for most.
Remediation costs are moderate relative to home values in West Memphis. The estimated $800–$1,800 range is manageable for most homeowners but still worth budgeting for. Home values are 11% below the Arkansas average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in West Memphis
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.
Lead risk in West Memphis appears low overall, but individual homes may differ. Testing is the only way to confirm your water's lead content.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Flood & Climate Risk in West Memphis
FEMA data places 100% of West Memphis's ZIP codes inside designated flood zones, and the NFIP claim record confirms the real-world impact: 795 filed claims representing decades of documented flood events with consequences for property and, at sufficient severity, for local water infrastructure.
West Memphis has a significant flood history with 795 FEMA flood insurance claims on record, averaging $8,897 per claim. With 100% of ZIP codes in FEMA-designated flood zones, flood risk is a major concern for homeowners and water quality.
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>$1,200</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 West Memphis, AR