Is Altheimer, AR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 18 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
72.9/100
waterverge.com Altheimer, AR — Water Quality Report
Altheimer's drinking water received a grade of B- (72.9 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 765 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 4.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 38 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 18 remain unresolved.
What to know about Altheimer's water
Altheimer ranks #260 out of 345 cities in Arkansas for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Altheimer relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
As a small community water system, Altheimer may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 8 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Altheimer, AR water safe to drink?
Altheimer's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (72.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 765 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Altheimer
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Altheimer's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (72.9/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3541). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4441). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Altheimer's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Altheimer's water system has 38 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 18 remain unresolved. 8 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Jefferson County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 1973. 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 Arkansas River At Pine Bluff, Wabbaseka Bayou, Temple Island Hw/Tw Near Humphrey, Salt Bayou Ditch Nr Humphrey, Fish Lake Ditch Near Altheimer.
Where does Altheimer's water come from?
Altheimer's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 765 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Arkansas River At Pine Bluff (river), Wabbaseka Bayou (river), Temple Island Hw/Tw Near Humphrey (river), Salt Bayou Ditch Nr Humphrey (river), Fish Lake Ditch Near Altheimer (river).
What Altheimer residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Altheimer's water.
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.
Altheimer'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 Altheimer
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Altheimer, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 35,726 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
SUZANO PACKAGING PINE BLUFF, AR71601 | Manganese And Manganese Compounds | 35,726 | 8.3 mi |
TYSON POULTRY INC. - PINE BLUFF FEED MILL PINE BLUFF, AR71601 | — | — | 6.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtJefferson 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
Jefferson County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 1973. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
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. | 4.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Altheimer compares by contaminant
Explore where Altheimer ranks among all Arkansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Altheimer's water comes from
Altheimer's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 765 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Altheimer
Altheimer is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Altheimer
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ALTHEIMER WATERWORKS | AR0000271 | 765 | GW |
How Altheimer compares
Full Arkansas rankings →Altheimer's score of 72.9/100 is on par with the average of 75/100 among major Arkansas cities. It outscores 4 of 10 nearby cities. 6 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Arkansas rankings →About Altheimer, AR
Wikipedia →Altheimer is a city in Plum Bayou Township, Jefferson County, Arkansas, United States. As of the 2020 census, Altheimer had a population of 696.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Altheimer's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Jefferson
Frequently asked questions
Is Altheimer, AR tap water safe to drink?
Altheimer's water quality earned a grade of B- (72.9/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #260 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.
What contaminants are in Altheimer's water?
Lead was measured at 4.0 ppb (90th percentile). 38 violations are on record.
How is Altheimer'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 Altheimer?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Altheimer's water come from?
Altheimer's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 765 residents.
What health violations has Altheimer's water system had?
Altheimer has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 18 violations remain unresolved.
Is Altheimer's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Altheimer uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 38 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Altheimer's water compare to other cities?
Altheimer ranks #260 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 25% of state cities) and #10210 out of 15744 cities nationally (35th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Altheimer's small water system affect quality?
Altheimer's system serves approximately 765 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 38 violations on record.