Is Cave City, 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 ↓
84.2/100
waterverge.com Cave City, AR — Water Quality Report
Cave City's drinking water received a grade of B+ (84.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 6,060 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 4.0 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 29 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 11 remain unresolved.
What to know about Cave City's water
Cave City ranks #188 out of 345 cities in Arkansas for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Cave City 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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Cave City, AR water safe to drink?
Cave City's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (84.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 6,060 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Cave City
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Cave City's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (84.2/100).
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.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Cave City's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Cave City's water system has 29 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 11 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Sharp County has experienced 7 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.
Where does Cave City's water come from?
Cave City's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 6,060 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Cave City residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Cave City'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Cave City'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
D4 — exceptional droughtIndependence County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 92.1% 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
Sharp County has experienced 7 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. | 4.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Cave City compares by contaminant
Explore where Cave City ranks among all Arkansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Cave City's water comes from
Cave City'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 6,060 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Cave City
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAVE CITY WATERWORKS | AR0000526 | 3,045 | GW |
| GRANGE-CALAMINE WATER ASSOC | AR0000759 | 3,015 | GW |
How Cave City compares
Full Arkansas rankings →Cave City's score of 84.2/100 is above the average of 75/100 among major Arkansas cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Arkansas rankings →About Cave City, AR
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Cave City's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Independence
Frequently asked questions
Is Cave City, AR tap water safe to drink?
Cave City's water quality earned a grade of B+ (84.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #188 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.
What contaminants are in Cave City's water?
Lead was measured at 4.0 ppb (90th percentile). 29 violations are on record.
How is Cave City'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 Cave City?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Cave City's water come from?
Cave City's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 6,060 residents.
What health violations has Cave City's water system had?
Cave City has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2021. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 11 violations remain unresolved.
Is Cave City's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Cave City 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 29 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 Cave City's water compare to other cities?
Cave City ranks #188 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 46% of state cities) and #6031 out of 15744 cities nationally (62th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.