Is Damascus, AR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
83.8/100
waterverge.com Damascus, AR — Water Quality Report
Damascus's drinking water received a grade of B+ (83.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,235 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 33 violations on record, including 13 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Damascus's water
Damascus ranks #193 out of 345 cities in Arkansas for water quality, placing it below 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.
As a small community water system, Damascus may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Damascus, AR water safe to drink?
Damascus's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of B+ (83.8/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,235 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Damascus
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Damascus's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (83.8/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3541). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
2 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1793). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Damascus's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Damascus's water system has 33 total violations on record, including 13 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Van Buren County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1991. 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 Cadron Creek Near Guy, East Fork Cadron Creek Near Enola.
Where does Damascus's water come from?
Damascus's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,235 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Cadron Creek Near Guy (river), East Fork Cadron Creek Near Enola (river).
What Damascus 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.
Damascus'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 droughtVan Buren County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 26.2% 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
Van Buren County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1991. 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 Damascus compares by contaminant
Explore where Damascus ranks among all Arkansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Damascus's water comes from
Damascus'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 private ownership and serves approximately 2,235 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Damascus
Damascus 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 Damascus
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| DAMASCUS WATER WORKS | AR0000190 | 2,235 | SWP |
How Damascus compares
Full Arkansas rankings →Damascus's score of 83.8/100 is above the average of 75/100 among major Arkansas cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Arkansas rankings →About Damascus, AR
Wikipedia →Damascus is a town in Faulkner and Van Buren counties of central Arkansas, United States. The population was 382 as of the 2020 Census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Damascus's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Van Buren
Frequently asked questions
Is Damascus, AR tap water safe to drink?
Damascus's water quality earned a grade of B+ (83.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #193 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.
What contaminants are in Damascus's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 33 violations are on record.
How is Damascus'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 Damascus?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Damascus's water come from?
Damascus's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,235 residents.
What health violations has Damascus's water system had?
Damascus has 13 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
How does Damascus's water compare to other cities?
Damascus ranks #193 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 44% of state cities) and #6267 out of 15744 cities nationally (60th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Damascus's small water system affect quality?
Damascus's system serves approximately 2,235 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 33 violations on record.