Is Calico Rock, AR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 11 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
80.7/100
waterverge.com Calico Rock, AR — Water Quality Report
Calico Rock's drinking water received a grade of B+ (80.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,633 residents using ground water under influence.
Lead levels were measured at 2.0 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 48 violations on record, including 23 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved.
What to know about Calico Rock's water
Calico Rock ranks #225 out of 345 cities in Arkansas for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Calico 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.
As a small community water system, Calico Rock may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Calico Rock, AR water safe to drink?
Calico Rock's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (80.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,633 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Calico Rock
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Calico Rock's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (80.7/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4873). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3541). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Calico Rock's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Calico Rock's water system has 48 total violations on record, including 23 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Izard County has experienced 10 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 North Fork Riv Us Of Dry Ck Bl Norfork Dam, White River At Calico Rock, North Sylamore Creek Near Fifty Six.
Where does Calico Rock's water come from?
Calico Rock's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,633 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include North Fork Riv Us Of Dry Ck Bl Norfork Dam (river), White River At Calico Rock (river), North Sylamore Creek Near Fifty Six (river).
What Calico Rock residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Calico Rock'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.
Calico 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 Calico Rock
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Calico Rock, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
SENTINEL INDUSTRIES INC. CALICO ROCK, AR72519 | — | — | 1.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D4 — exceptional droughtIzard County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 100.0% 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
Izard County has experienced 10 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. | 2.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Calico Rock compares by contaminant
Explore where Calico Rock ranks among all Arkansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Calico Rock's water comes from
Calico 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 2,633 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Calico Rock
Calico 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 Calico Rock
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CALICO ROCK WATERWORKS | AR0000003 | 1,726 | GU |
| AR DEPT OF CORRECTION IZARD CO | AR0000790 | 907 | GW |
How Calico Rock compares
Full Arkansas rankings →Calico Rock's score of 80.7/100 is above the average of 75/100 among major Arkansas cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Arkansas rankings →About Calico Rock, AR
Wikipedia →Calico Rock is a city in Izard County, Arkansas, United States. The population was 888 at the 2020 census. The population was estimated to have increased to 2,021 by the 2024 census estimate, a nearly 128% increase.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Calico Rock's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Izard
Frequently asked questions
Is Calico Rock, AR tap water safe to drink?
Calico Rock's water quality earned a grade of B+ (80.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #225 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.
What contaminants are in Calico Rock's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 48 violations are on record.
How is Calico 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 Calico Rock?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Calico Rock's water come from?
Calico Rock's water is sourced from Ground water under influence. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,633 residents.
What health violations has Calico Rock's water system had?
Calico Rock has 23 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. 11 violations remain unresolved.
Is Calico Rock's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Calico 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 48 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 Calico Rock's water compare to other cities?
Calico Rock ranks #225 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 35% of state cities) and #7754 out of 15744 cities nationally (51th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.