Is Cherry Valley, AR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 7 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
84.3/100
waterverge.com Cherry Valley, AR — Water Quality Report
Cherry Valley's drinking water received a grade of B+ (84.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,864 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 14 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Cherry Valley's water
Cherry Valley ranks #186 out of 345 cities in Arkansas for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Cherry Valley 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, Cherry Valley may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Cherry Valley, AR water safe to drink?
Cherry Valley's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (84.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,864 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Cherry Valley
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Cherry Valley's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (84.3/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4873). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3541). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Cherry Valley's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Cherry Valley's water system has 14 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Cross 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 L'Anguille R Nr Whitehall.
Where does Cherry Valley's water come from?
Cherry Valley's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,864 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include L'Anguille R Nr Whitehall (river).
What Cherry Valley residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Cherry Valley'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.
Cherry Valley'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 droughtCross 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
Cross 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 Cherry Valley compares by contaminant
Explore where Cherry Valley ranks among all Arkansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Cherry Valley's water comes from
Cherry Valley'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 2,864 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Cherry Valley
Cherry Valley is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Cherry Valley
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| VANNDALE-BIRDEYE WATER ASSOC | AR0000162 | 2,174 | GW |
| CHERRY VALLEY WATERWORKS | AR0000158 | 690 | GW |
How Cherry Valley compares
Full Arkansas rankings →Cherry Valley's score of 84.3/100 is above the average of 75/100 among major Arkansas cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Arkansas rankings →About Cherry Valley, AR
Wikipedia →Cherry Valley is a city in Cross County, Arkansas, United States. The population was 702 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Cherry Valley's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Poinsett
Frequently asked questions
Is Cherry Valley, AR tap water safe to drink?
Cherry Valley's water quality earned a grade of B+ (84.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #186 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.
What contaminants are in Cherry Valley's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 14 violations are on record.
How is Cherry Valley'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 Cherry Valley?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Cherry Valley's water come from?
Cherry Valley's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,864 residents.
What health violations has Cherry Valley's water system had?
Cherry Valley has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 7 violations remain unresolved.
Is Cherry Valley's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Cherry Valley 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 14 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 Cherry Valley's water compare to other cities?
Cherry Valley ranks #186 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 46% of state cities) and #5975 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.