Is Branch, AR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
74.8/100
waterverge.com Branch, AR — Water Quality Report
Branch's drinking water received a grade of B- (74.8 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 500 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 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 42 violations on record, including 30 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Branch's water
Branch ranks #256 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.
As a small community water system, Branch may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 7 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Branch, AR water safe to drink?
Branch's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of B- (74.8/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 500 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Branch
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Branch's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (74.8/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
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 Branch's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Branch's water system has 42 total violations on record, including 30 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 7 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Franklin County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1972. 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 Branch's water come from?
Branch's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 500 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Branch 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.
Branch'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
D2 — severe droughtFranklin County is currently in D2 (severe 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
Franklin County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1972. 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. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Branch compares by contaminant
Explore where Branch ranks among all Arkansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Branch's water comes from
Branch'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 500 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Branch
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BRANCH WATER WORKS | AR0000653 | 500 | SWP |
How Branch compares
Full Arkansas rankings →Branch's score of 74.8/100 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 Branch, AR
Wikipedia →Branch is a city in Franklin County, Arkansas, United States. The population was 296 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Branch's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Franklin
Frequently asked questions
Is Branch, AR tap water safe to drink?
Branch's water quality earned a grade of B- (74.8/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #256 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.
What contaminants are in Branch's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 42 violations are on record.
How is Branch'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 Branch?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Branch's water come from?
Branch's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 500 residents.
What health violations has Branch's water system had?
Branch has 30 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
How does Branch's water compare to other cities?
Branch ranks #256 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 26% of state cities) and #9761 out of 15744 cities nationally (38th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Branch's small water system affect quality?
Branch's system serves approximately 500 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 42 violations on record.