Is Cotter, 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 ↓
91.2/100
waterverge.com Cotter, AR — Water Quality Report
Cotter's drinking water received a grade of A (91.2 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,233 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 8 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Cotter's water
Cotter ranks #72 out of 345 cities in Arkansas for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Cotter 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, Cotter may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Cotter, AR water safe to drink?
Cotter's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (91.2/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,233 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Cotter
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Cotter's water quality assessment. Grade: A (91.2/100).
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.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR), Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Cotter's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Cotter's water system has 8 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Baxter County has experienced 4 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 White River At Bull Shoals Dam Near Flippin, White River Below Bull Shoals Dam At Bull Shoals, White River Below Bull Shoals Dam Near Fairview.
Where does Cotter's water come from?
Cotter's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,233 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include White River At Bull Shoals Dam Near Flippin (river), White River Below Bull Shoals Dam At Bull Shoals (river), White River Below Bull Shoals Dam Near Fairview (river).
What Cotter 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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Cotter'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 Cotter
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Cotter, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 10 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
DANFOSS-MOUNTAIN HOME MOUNTAIN HOME, AR72653 | Zinc compounds | 10 | 7.8 mi |
RANGER BOATS FLIPPIN, AR72634 | — | — | 5.3 mi |
ADVANCED MARINE PERFORMANCE LLC. FLIPPIN, AR72634 | — | — | 5.1 mi |
TRITON BOATS MIDWAY, AR72651 | — | — | 7.7 mi |
EZ LOADER CUSTOM BOAT TRAILERS INC. MIDWAY, AR72651 | — | — | 7.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D4 — exceptional droughtBaxter County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 28.8% 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
Baxter County has experienced 4 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 Cotter compares by contaminant
Explore where Cotter ranks among all Arkansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Cotter's water comes from
Cotter'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 1,233 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Cotter
Cotter is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Cotter
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| COTTER WATERWORKS | AR0000028 | 1,233 | GW |
How Cotter compares
Full Arkansas rankings →Cotter's score of 91.2/100 is above the average of 75/100 among major Arkansas cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Arkansas rankings →About Cotter, AR
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Cotter's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Baxter
Frequently asked questions
Is Cotter, AR tap water safe to drink?
Cotter's water quality earned a grade of A (91.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #72 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.
What contaminants are in Cotter's water?
Lead was measured at 4.0 ppb (90th percentile). 8 violations are on record.
How is Cotter'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 Cotter?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Cotter's water come from?
Cotter's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,233 residents.
What health violations has Cotter's water system had?
Cotter has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in February 2009. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
Is Cotter's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Cotter 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 8 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 Cotter's water compare to other cities?
Cotter ranks #72 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 79% of state cities) and #1829 out of 15744 cities nationally (88th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Cotter's small water system affect quality?
Cotter's system serves approximately 1,233 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 8 violations on record.