Is Central City, 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 ↓
92.9/100
waterverge.com Central City, AR — Water Quality Report
Central City's drinking water received a grade of A (92.9 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,227 residents using purchased surface water.
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 14 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Central City's water
Central City ranks #47 out of 345 cities in Arkansas for water quality, placing it above 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.
Hexavalent chromium (chromium-6) was detected at 0.09 µg/L in UCMR 3 testing. While below California's 10 µg/L limit and with no federal MCL set, residents sensitive to this contaminant may consider reverse osmosis filtration.
As a small community water system, Central City may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Central City, AR water safe to drink?
Central City's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (92.9/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,227 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Central City
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Central City's water quality assessment. Grade: A (92.9/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
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.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Central City's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Central City's water system has 14 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Sebastian 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. Local water sources include Ar River At Van Buren, Ar River At James W. Trimble L&D Nr Van Buren.
Where does Central City's water come from?
Central City's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,227 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Ar River At Van Buren (river), Ar River At James W. Trimble L&D Nr Van Buren (river).
What Central City 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.
Central 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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Central City
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Central City, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 21 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
GNB FORT SMITH LLC FORT SMITH, AR72908 | Lead | 12 | 8.6 mi |
TATE&LYLE VAN BUREN VAN BUREN, AR72956 | Methanol | 5 | 8.2 mi |
GERDAU-FORT SMITH MILL FORT SMITH, AR72916 | Copper compounds | 4 | 8.1 mi |
RHEEM MANUFACTURING CO FORT SMITH, AR72908 | — | — | 8.4 mi |
OWENS CORNING-FORT SMITH FORT SMITH, AR72916 | — | — | 7.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Sebastian 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. | 2.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Central City compares by contaminant
Explore where Central City ranks among all Arkansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Central City's water comes from
Central City'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 1,227 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Central City
Central City is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Central City
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CENTRAL CITY WATER DEPARTMENT | AR0000503 | 1,227 | SWP |
How Central City compares
Full Arkansas rankings →Central City's score of 92.9/100 is above the average of 75/100 among major Arkansas cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Arkansas rankings →About Central City, AR
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Central City's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Sebastian
Frequently asked questions
Is Central City, AR tap water safe to drink?
Central City's water quality earned a grade of A (92.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #47 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.
What contaminants are in Central City's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 14 violations are on record.
How is Central 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 Central City?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Central City's water come from?
Central City's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,227 residents.
What health violations has Central City's water system had?
Central City has 6 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2020. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
How does Central City's water compare to other cities?
Central City ranks #47 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 86% of state cities) and #1064 out of 15744 cities nationally (93th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Central City's small water system affect quality?
Central City's system serves approximately 1,227 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 14 violations on record.