Is Cord, AR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A with no contaminants above EPA limits. Here's everything we tested and how Cord ranks. What to do next ↓
94.5/100
waterverge.com Cord, AR — Water Quality Report
Cord's drinking water received a grade of A (94.5 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,722 residents using ground water under influence.
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 1 violation on record, including 0 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
What to know about Cord's water
Cord ranks #27 out of 345 cities in Arkansas for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Cord 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, Cord may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Cord, AR water safe to drink?
Based on EPA testing data, Cord's tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of A (94.5/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,722 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Cord
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Cord's water quality assessment. Grade: A (94.5/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3541). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3215). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Cord's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Cord's water system has 1 total violation on record, including 0 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Independence County has experienced 5 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 Black River At Elgin Ferry, Tuckerman Ditch At Tuckerman.
Where does Cord's water come from?
Cord's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,722 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Black River At Elgin Ferry (river), Tuckerman Ditch At Tuckerman (river).
What Cord 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.
Cord'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
Independence County has experienced 5 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 Cord compares by contaminant
Explore where Cord ranks among all Arkansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Cord's water comes from
Cord'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 2,722 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Cord
Cord is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Cord
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| DOTA PUBLIC WATER AUTHORITY | AR0000698 | 2,722 | GU |
How Cord compares
Full Arkansas rankings →Cord's score of 94.5/100 is above the average of 75/100 among major Arkansas cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Arkansas rankings →About Cord, AR
Wikipedia →Cord is an unincorporated community in Independence County, Arkansas, United States. Cord is located at the junction of Arkansas highways 37 and 122, 9.5 miles (15.3 km) northeast of Newark. Cord has a post office with ZIP code 72524.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Cord's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Independence
Frequently asked questions
Is Cord, AR tap water safe to drink?
Cord's water quality earned a grade of A (94.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #27 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.
What contaminants are in Cord's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 1 violation is on record.
How is Cord'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 Cord?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Cord's water come from?
Cord's water is sourced from Ground water under influence. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,722 residents.
Is Cord's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Cord 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 1 violation 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 Cord's water compare to other cities?
Cord ranks #27 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 92% of state cities) and #481 out of 15744 cities nationally (97th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Cord's small water system affect quality?
Cord's system serves approximately 2,722 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 1 violation on record.