Is Deer, AR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F — but Lead was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
31/100
waterverge.com Deer, AR — Water Quality Report
Deer's drinking water received a grade of F (31 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 3,204 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 16.0 ppb (90th percentile), which exceeds the EPA action level of 15 ppb. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 278 violations on record, including 170 health-based violations. 62 remain unresolved.
What to know about Deer's water
Deer ranks #344 out of 345 cities in Arkansas for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated 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.
Lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb, which typically indicates aging lead service lines or lead solder in the distribution system. An NSF 53-certified filter is strongly recommended for drinking and cooking water.
As a small community water system, Deer may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 38 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Deer, AR water safe to drink?
Deer's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (31/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 3,204 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Deer
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Deer's water quality assessment. Grade: F (31/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4873). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3541). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Deer's water supply.
Exceeds EPA action level. Lead service line replacement and point-of-use filtration recommended.
Violation history
Deer's water system has 278 total violations on record, including 170 health-based violations. 62 remain unresolved. 38 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Newton County has experienced 7 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.
Where does Deer's water come from?
Deer's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 3,204 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Deer residents can do
Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Deer'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Deer'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 droughtNewton 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
Newton County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1969. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Deer's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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. | 16.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Deer compares by contaminant
Explore where Deer ranks among all Arkansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Deer's water comes from
Deer'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 3,204 people through 4 water systems.
Water systems serving Deer
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NAIL-SWAIN WATER ASSOCIATION | AR0000856 | 970 | SWP |
| DEER WATER ASSOCIATION | AR0000670 | 938 | SWP |
| MT SHERMAN WATER ASSOCIATION | AR0000680 | 903 | SWP |
| PARTHENON WATER ASSOCIATION | AR0000736 | 393 | SWP |
How Deer compares
Full Arkansas rankings →Deer's score of 31/100 is below the average of 75/100 among major Arkansas cities. 10 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Arkansas rankings →About Deer, AR
Wikipedia →Deer is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Newton County, Arkansas, United States. Deer is located on Arkansas Highway 16, 12.5 miles (20.1 km) south of Jasper. Deer has a post office with ZIP code 72628.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Deer's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Newton
Frequently asked questions
Is Deer, AR tap water safe to drink?
Deer's water quality earned a grade of F (31/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #344 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.
What contaminants are in Deer's water?
Lead was measured at 16.0 ppb (90th percentile). 278 violations are on record.
How is Deer'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 Deer?
Yes — lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb. We recommend an NSF 53-certified filter or reverse osmosis system. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Deer's water come from?
Deer's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 3,204 residents.
What health violations has Deer's water system had?
Deer has 170 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in September 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 62 violations remain unresolved.
How does Deer's water compare to other cities?
Deer ranks #344 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 0% of state cities) and #15662 out of 15744 cities nationally (1th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.