Is Alexander, AR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
82.8/100
waterverge.com Alexander, AR — Water Quality Report
Alexander's drinking water received a grade of B+ (82.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,538 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 14.0 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 20 violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Alexander's water
Alexander ranks #207 out of 345 cities in Arkansas for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Alexander may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Alexander, AR water safe to drink?
Alexander's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of B+ (82.8/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,538 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Alexander
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Alexander's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (82.8/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4873). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3541). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Alexander's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Alexander's water system has 20 total violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Pulaski County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1969. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include Fourche Creek At Univ. Avenue At Little Rock, Rock Creek At 36Th Street At Little Rock, Saline River Near Shaw.
Where does Alexander's water come from?
Alexander's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,538 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Fourche Creek At Univ. Avenue At Little Rock (river), Rock Creek At 36Th Street At Little Rock (river), Saline River Near Shaw (river).
What Alexander residents can do
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Alexander's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Alexander
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Alexander, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 338 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
EVONIK CORP LITTLE ROCK, AR72206 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 287 | 8.6 mi |
PPG PROTECTIVE & MARINE COAT INGS ALEXANDER, AR72002 | Zinc compounds | 43 | 2.7 mi |
FIBER GLASS SYSTEMS LITTLE ROCK, AR72209 | 4,4'-Methylenedianiline | 5 | 9.5 mi |
LANXESS CORP LITTLE ROCK, AR72209 | Zinc compounds | 3 | 9.5 mi |
ALMATIS INC-BAUXITE ARKANSAS BENTON, AR72015 | — | — | 5.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtSaline County is currently in D3 (extreme drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Pulaski County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1969. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Alexander's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 14.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Near Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Alexander compares by contaminant
Explore where Alexander ranks among all Arkansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Alexander's water comes from
Alexander's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 2,538 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Alexander
Alexander is located near 3 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Alexander
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SALINE CO WW SS PFB | AR0000491 | 2,538 | SWP |
How Alexander compares
Full Arkansas rankings →Alexander's score of 82.8/100 is above the average of 75/100 among major Arkansas cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Arkansas rankings →About Alexander, AR
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Alexander's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Saline
Frequently asked questions
Is Alexander, AR tap water safe to drink?
Alexander's water quality earned a grade of B+ (82.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #207 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.
What contaminants are in Alexander's water?
Lead was measured at 14.0 ppb (90th percentile). 20 violations are on record.
How is Alexander's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Alexander?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Alexander's water come from?
Alexander's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,538 residents.
What health violations has Alexander's water system had?
Alexander has 10 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in September 2011. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
How does Alexander's water compare to other cities?
Alexander ranks #207 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 40% of state cities) and #6759 out of 15744 cities nationally (57th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Alexander's small water system affect quality?
Alexander's system serves approximately 2,538 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 20 violations on record.