Is Ash Flat, AR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
86.5/100
waterverge.com Ash Flat, AR — Water Quality Report
Ash Flat's drinking water received a grade of A- (86.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,659 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 5.0 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 5 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Ash Flat's water
Ash Flat ranks #156 out of 345 cities in Arkansas for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Ash Flat 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, Ash Flat may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Ash Flat, AR water safe to drink?
Ash Flat's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (86.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,659 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Ash Flat
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Ash Flat's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.5/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4873). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3541). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Ash Flat's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Ash Flat's water system has 5 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 3 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Sharp County has experienced 7 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 South Fork Spring River At Saddle, Spring River At Spring Street Bridge At Hardy.
Where does Ash Flat's water come from?
Ash Flat's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,659 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include South Fork Spring River At Saddle (river), Spring River At Spring Street Bridge At Hardy (river).
What Ash Flat residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Ash Flat'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.
Ash Flat'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
Drought conditions
D4 — exceptional droughtFulton County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 9.4% of the county is in D4 (exceptional) drought. 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
Sharp County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1969. 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. | 5.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Ash Flat compares by contaminant
Explore where Ash Flat ranks among all Arkansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Ash Flat's water comes from
Ash Flat'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 1,659 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Ash Flat
Ash Flat is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Ash Flat
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASH FLAT WATER COMPANY | AR0000527 | 1,186 | GW |
| GENTRYVILLE PUBLIC WATER AUTH | AR0000699 | 473 | GW |
How Ash Flat compares
Full Arkansas rankings →Ash Flat's score of 86.5/100 is above the average of 75/100 among major Arkansas cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Arkansas rankings →About Ash Flat, AR
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Ash Flat's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Fulton
Frequently asked questions
Is Ash Flat, AR tap water safe to drink?
Ash Flat's water quality earned a grade of A- (86.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #156 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.
What contaminants are in Ash Flat's water?
Lead was measured at 5.0 ppb (90th percentile). 5 violations are on record.
How is Ash Flat'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 Ash Flat?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Ash Flat's water come from?
Ash Flat's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,659 residents.
What health violations has Ash Flat's water system had?
Ash Flat has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Ash Flat's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Ash Flat 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 5 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 Ash Flat's water compare to other cities?
Ash Flat ranks #156 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 55% of state cities) and #4675 out of 15744 cities nationally (70th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.