Is Black Rock, AR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
88.3/100
waterverge.com Black Rock, AR — Water Quality Report
Black Rock's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,034 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 6.0 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 5 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Black Rock's water
Black Rock ranks #131 out of 345 cities in Arkansas for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Black Rock 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.
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, Black Rock may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Black Rock, AR water safe to drink?
Black Rock's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (88.3/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,034 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Black Rock
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Black Rock's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.3/100).
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: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Black Rock'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
Black Rock's water system has 5 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Lawrence County has experienced 5 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 Black River At Pocahontas, Spring River At Imboden, Black River At Black Rock.
Where does Black Rock's water come from?
Black Rock's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,034 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Black River At Pocahontas (river), Spring River At Imboden (river), Black River At Black Rock (river).
What Black Rock 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.
Black Rock'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 Black Rock
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Black Rock, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
EAGAN MANUFACTURING CO INC BLACK ROCK, AR72415 | — | — | 0.3 mi |
FRIT INDUSTRIES WALNUT RIDGE, AR72476 | — | — | 9.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D4 — exceptional droughtLawrence County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 10.4% 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
Lawrence County has experienced 5 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 Black Rock'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. | 6.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Black Rock compares by contaminant
Explore where Black Rock ranks among all Arkansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Black Rock's water comes from
Black Rock'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 1,034 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Black Rock
Black Rock is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Black Rock
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BLACK ROCK WATERWORKS | AR0000302 | 1,034 | GW |
How Black Rock compares
Full Arkansas rankings →Black Rock's score of 88.3/100 is above the average of 75/100 among major Arkansas cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Arkansas rankings →About Black Rock, AR
Wikipedia →Little Rock is the capital and most populous city of the U.S. state of Arkansas. The population was 202,591 at the 2020 census, while the Little Rock metropolitan area with an estimated 770,000 residents is the 81st-most populous metropolitan area in the United States. The city lies on the south bank of the Arkansas River close to the state's geographic center in central Arkansas. It is the county seat of Pulaski County.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Black Rock's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Lawrence
Frequently asked questions
Is Black Rock, AR tap water safe to drink?
Black Rock's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #131 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.
What contaminants are in Black Rock's water?
Lead was measured at 6.0 ppb (90th percentile). 5 violations are on record.
How is Black Rock'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 Black Rock?
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 Black Rock's water come from?
Black Rock's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,034 residents.
Is Black Rock's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Black Rock 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 Black Rock's water compare to other cities?
Black Rock ranks #131 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 62% of state cities) and #3544 out of 15744 cities nationally (78th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Black Rock's small water system affect quality?
Black Rock's system serves approximately 1,034 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 5 violations on record.