Is Charleston, AR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
88.8/100
waterverge.com Charleston, AR — Water Quality Report
Charleston's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,386 residents using purchased surface water.
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 27 violations on record, including 13 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Charleston's water
Charleston ranks #116 out of 345 cities in Arkansas for water quality, placing it mid-range 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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Charleston, AR water safe to drink?
Charleston's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (88.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,386 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Charleston
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Charleston's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.8/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
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: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Charleston's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Charleston's water system has 27 total violations on record, including 13 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Franklin 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.
Where does Charleston's water come from?
Charleston's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,386 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Charleston residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Charleston'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.
Charleston'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
D2 — severe droughtFranklin County is currently in D2 (severe 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
Franklin 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. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Charleston compares by contaminant
Explore where Charleston ranks among all Arkansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Charleston's water comes from
Charleston'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 3,386 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Charleston
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHARLESTON WATERWORKS | AR0000200 | 3,386 | SWP |
How Charleston compares
Full Arkansas rankings →Charleston's score of 88.8/100 is above the average of 75/100 among major Arkansas cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Arkansas rankings →About Charleston, AR
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Charleston's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Franklin
Frequently asked questions
Is Charleston, AR tap water safe to drink?
Charleston's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #116 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.
What contaminants are in Charleston's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 27 violations are on record.
How is Charleston'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 Charleston?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Charleston's water come from?
Charleston's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,386 residents.
What health violations has Charleston's water system had?
Charleston has 13 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
How does Charleston's water compare to other cities?
Charleston ranks #116 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 66% of state cities) and #3231 out of 15744 cities nationally (80th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.