Is Devalls Bluff, AR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
50/100
waterverge.com Devalls Bluff, AR — Water Quality Report
Devalls Bluff's drinking water received a grade of D+ (50 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 600 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 28 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 24 remain unresolved.
What to know about Devalls Bluff's water
Devalls Bluff ranks #315 out of 345 cities in Arkansas for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Devalls Bluff 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, Devalls Bluff may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 25 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Devalls Bluff, AR water safe to drink?
Devalls Bluff's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (50/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 600 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Devalls Bluff
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Devalls Bluff's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (50/100).
Contaminants: E. COLI.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Devalls Bluff's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Devalls Bluff's water system has 28 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 24 remain unresolved. 25 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Devalls Bluff's water come from?
Devalls Bluff's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 600 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Devalls Bluff residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Devalls Bluff'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.
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 droughtPrairie 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Devalls Bluff'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. | 4.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.62 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.620 mg/L (1993)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Devalls Bluff compares by contaminant
Explore where Devalls Bluff ranks among all Arkansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Devalls Bluff's water comes from
Devalls Bluff'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 600 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Devalls Bluff
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| DEVALLS BLUFF WATERWORKS | AR0000450 | 600 | GW |
How Devalls Bluff compares
Full Arkansas rankings →Devalls Bluff's score of 50/100 is below the average of 75/100 among major Arkansas cities. It outscores 2 of 10 nearby cities. 8 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Arkansas rankings →About Devalls Bluff, AR
Wikipedia →DeVall's Bluff, officially the City of DeVall's Bluff, is a city in and the county seat of the southern district of Prairie County, Arkansas, United States. The population was 520 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Devalls Bluff's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Prairie
Frequently asked questions
Is Devalls Bluff, AR tap water safe to drink?
Devalls Bluff's water quality earned a grade of D+ (50/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #315 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.
What contaminants are in Devalls Bluff's water?
Lead was measured at 4.0 ppb (90th percentile). 28 violations are on record.
How is Devalls Bluff'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 Devalls Bluff?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Devalls Bluff's water come from?
Devalls Bluff's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 600 residents.
What health violations has Devalls Bluff's water system had?
Devalls Bluff has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in May 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 24 violations remain unresolved.
Is Devalls Bluff's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Devalls Bluff 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 28 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 Devalls Bluff's water compare to other cities?
Devalls Bluff ranks #315 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 9% of state cities) and #13185 out of 15744 cities nationally (16th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Devalls Bluff's small water system affect quality?
Devalls Bluff's system serves approximately 600 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 28 violations on record.