Is Carthage, 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 ↓
90.7/100
waterverge.com Carthage, AR — Water Quality Report
Carthage's drinking water received a grade of A (90.7 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,083 residents using groundwater.
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 4 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Carthage's water
Carthage ranks #84 out of 345 cities in Arkansas for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Carthage 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, Carthage may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Carthage, AR water safe to drink?
Carthage's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (90.7/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,083 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Carthage
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Carthage's water quality assessment. Grade: A (90.7/100).
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: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Carthage's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Carthage's water system has 4 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Dallas County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1973. 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 Carthage's water come from?
Carthage's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,083 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Carthage 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.
Carthage'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 Carthage
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Carthage, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
WEST FRASER LEOLA LUMBER MILL LEOLA, AR72084 | — | — | 6.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtDallas 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
Dallas County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1973. 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 Carthage compares by contaminant
Explore where Carthage ranks among all Arkansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Carthage's water comes from
Carthage'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 private ownership and serves approximately 1,083 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Carthage
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| TULIP-PRINCETON WATER ASSN | AR0000825 | 1,083 | GW |
How Carthage compares
Full Arkansas rankings →Carthage's score of 90.7/100 is above the average of 75/100 among major Arkansas cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Arkansas rankings →About Carthage, AR
Wikipedia →Carthage is a town in Dallas County, Arkansas, United States. The population was 222 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Carthage's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Dallas
Frequently asked questions
Is Carthage, AR tap water safe to drink?
Carthage's water quality earned a grade of A (90.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #84 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.
What contaminants are in Carthage's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 4 violations are on record.
How is Carthage'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 Carthage?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Carthage's water come from?
Carthage's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,083 residents.
What health violations has Carthage's water system had?
Carthage has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2006. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
Is Carthage's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Carthage 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 4 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 Carthage's water compare to other cities?
Carthage ranks #84 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 76% of state cities) and #2093 out of 15744 cities nationally (87th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Carthage's small water system affect quality?
Carthage's system serves approximately 1,083 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 4 violations on record.