Is Dewitt, AR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 9 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
86.6/100
waterverge.com Dewitt, AR — Water Quality Report
Dewitt's drinking water received a grade of A- (86.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 4,102 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 6.0 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 24 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved.
What to know about Dewitt's water
Dewitt ranks #152 out of 345 cities in Arkansas for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Dewitt 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Dewitt, AR water safe to drink?
Dewitt's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (86.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 4,102 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Dewitt
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Dewitt's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.6/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3541). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4441). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
2 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Dewitt's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Dewitt's water system has 24 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Arkansas County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1973. 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 Dewitt's water come from?
Dewitt's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 4,102 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Dewitt residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Dewitt'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.
Dewitt'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 Dewitt
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Dewitt, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
INDUSTRIAL IRON WORKS INC DEWITT, AR72042 | — | — | 0.5 mi |
TIMBER PRODUCERS DEWITT SAWMILL DIV DEWITT, AR72042 | — | — | 4.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtArkansas 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
Arkansas County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1973. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Dewitt'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. | 6.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Dewitt compares by contaminant
Explore where Dewitt ranks among all Arkansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Dewitt's water comes from
Dewitt'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 4,102 people through 3 water systems.
Water systems serving Dewitt
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| DEWITT WATERWORKS | AR0000008 | 3,208 | GW |
| NORTHEAST DEWITT WATER ASSOC | AR0000007 | 610 | GWP |
| NORTH LAGRUE WATER ASSOC | AR0000012 | 284 | GWP |
How Dewitt compares
Full Arkansas rankings →Dewitt's score of 86.6/100 is above the average of 75/100 among major Arkansas cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Arkansas rankings →About Dewitt, AR
Wikipedia →DeWitt is the second largest city in Arkansas County, Arkansas, United States, which also serves as the county seat of the southern district of Arkansas County. Population was 3,056 at the time of the 2020 census. The city is located on the Arkansas Grand Prairie, known for rice farming and duck hunting. DeWitt is home to the DeWitt School District and the DeWitt Municipal Airport.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Dewitt's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Arkansas
Frequently asked questions
Is Dewitt, AR tap water safe to drink?
Dewitt's water quality earned a grade of A- (86.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #152 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.
What contaminants are in Dewitt's water?
Lead was measured at 6.0 ppb (90th percentile). 24 violations are on record.
How is Dewitt'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 Dewitt?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Dewitt's water come from?
Dewitt's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 4,102 residents.
What health violations has Dewitt's water system had?
Dewitt has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2020. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 9 violations remain unresolved.
Is Dewitt's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Dewitt 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 24 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 Dewitt's water compare to other cities?
Dewitt ranks #152 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 56% of state cities) and #4588 out of 15744 cities nationally (71th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.