Is Big Flat, AR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
89.8/100
waterverge.com Big Flat, AR — Water Quality Report
Big Flat's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 523 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 10 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Big Flat's water
Big Flat ranks #98 out of 345 cities in Arkansas for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Big 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, Big Flat may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Big Flat, AR water safe to drink?
Big Flat's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (89.8/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 523 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Big Flat
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Big Flat's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.8/100).
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3541). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3215). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Big Flat's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Big Flat's water system has 10 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Baxter County has experienced 4 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.
Where does Big Flat's water come from?
Big Flat's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 523 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Big Flat 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.
Big 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 droughtBaxter County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 28.8% 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
Baxter County has experienced 4 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. | 4.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Big Flat compares by contaminant
Explore where Big Flat ranks among all Arkansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Big Flat's water comes from
Big 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 523 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Big Flat
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIG FLAT WATERWORKS | AR0000026 | 523 | GW |
How Big Flat compares
Full Arkansas rankings →Big Flat's score of 89.8/100 is above the average of 75/100 among major Arkansas cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Arkansas rankings →About Big Flat, AR
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Big Flat's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Baxter
Frequently asked questions
Is Big Flat, AR tap water safe to drink?
Big Flat's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #98 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.
What contaminants are in Big Flat's water?
Lead was measured at 4.0 ppb (90th percentile). 10 violations are on record.
How is Big 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 Big Flat?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Big Flat's water come from?
Big Flat's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 523 residents.
What health violations has Big Flat's water system had?
Big Flat has 5 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in June 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
Is Big Flat's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Big 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 10 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 Big Flat's water compare to other cities?
Big Flat ranks #98 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 72% of state cities) and #2614 out of 15744 cities nationally (83th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Big Flat's small water system affect quality?
Big Flat's system serves approximately 523 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 10 violations on record.