Is Carlisle, 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 ↓
90.4/100
waterverge.com Carlisle, AR — Water Quality Report
Carlisle's drinking water received a grade of A (90.4 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,300 residents using groundwater.
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 3 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Carlisle's water
Carlisle ranks #89 out of 345 cities in Arkansas for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Carlisle 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, Carlisle may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Carlisle, AR water safe to drink?
Carlisle's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (90.4/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,300 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Carlisle
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Carlisle's water quality assessment. Grade: A (90.4/100).
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.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Carlisle's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Carlisle's water system has 3 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Lonoke County has experienced 6 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 Bayou Two Prairie.
Where does Carlisle's water come from?
Carlisle's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,300 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Bayou Two Prairie (river).
What Carlisle 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.
Carlisle'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
D3 — extreme droughtLonoke County is currently in D3 (extreme 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
Lonoke County has experienced 6 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 Carlisle compares by contaminant
Explore where Carlisle ranks among all Arkansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Carlisle's water comes from
Carlisle'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 2,300 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Carlisle
Carlisle is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Carlisle
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CARLISLE WATERWORKS | AR0000339 | 2,300 | GW |
How Carlisle compares
Full Arkansas rankings →Carlisle's score of 90.4/100 is above the average of 75/100 among major Arkansas cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Arkansas rankings →About Carlisle, AR
Wikipedia →Carlisle is a city in Lonoke County, Arkansas, United States. It is the easternmost municipality within the Little Rock–North Little Rock–Conway Metropolitan Statistical Area. Carlisle was incorporated in 1878. As of the 2020 census it had a population of 2,033.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Carlisle's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Lonoke
Frequently asked questions
Is Carlisle, AR tap water safe to drink?
Carlisle's water quality earned a grade of A (90.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #89 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.
What contaminants are in Carlisle's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 3 violations are on record.
How is Carlisle'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 Carlisle?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Carlisle's water come from?
Carlisle's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,300 residents.
What health violations has Carlisle's water system had?
Carlisle has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2019. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
Is Carlisle's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Carlisle 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 3 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 Carlisle's water compare to other cities?
Carlisle ranks #89 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 74% of state cities) and #2232 out of 15744 cities nationally (86th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Carlisle's small water system affect quality?
Carlisle's system serves approximately 2,300 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 3 violations on record.