Is Diamond City, AR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 17 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
73.6/100
Diamond City, AR — Water Quality Report
Diamond City's drinking water received a grade of B- (73.6 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,290 residents using purchased surface water.
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 30 violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 17 remain unresolved.
What to know about Diamond City's water
Diamond City ranks #257 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, Diamond City may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Diamond City, AR water safe to drink?
Diamond City's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (73.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,290 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Diamond City
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Diamond City's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (73.6/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3541). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule, Public Notice.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3215). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Diamond City's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Diamond City's water system has 30 total violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 17 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Boone County has experienced 6 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 Diamond City's water come from?
Diamond City's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,290 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Diamond City residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Diamond City'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.
Diamond City'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 droughtBoone 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
Boone County has experienced 6 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 Diamond City compares by contaminant
Explore where Diamond City ranks among all Arkansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Diamond City's water comes from
Diamond City'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 1,290 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Diamond City
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIAMOND CITY WATER | AR0000061 | 1,290 | SWP |
How Diamond City compares
Full Arkansas rankings →Diamond City's score of 73.6/100 is on par with the average of 75/100 among major Arkansas cities. It outscores 4 of 10 nearby cities. 6 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Arkansas rankings →About Diamond City, AR
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Diamond City's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Boone
Frequently asked questions
Is Diamond City, AR tap water safe to drink?
Diamond City's water quality earned a grade of B- (73.6/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #257 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.
What contaminants are in Diamond City's water?
Lead was measured at 4.0 ppb (90th percentile). 30 violations are on record.
How is Diamond City'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 Diamond City?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Diamond City's water come from?
Diamond City's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,290 residents.
What health violations has Diamond City's water system had?
Diamond City has 11 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in May 2021. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 17 violations remain unresolved.
How does Diamond City's water compare to other cities?
Diamond City ranks #257 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 26% of state cities) and #10052 out of 15744 cities nationally (36th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Diamond City's small water system affect quality?
Diamond City's system serves approximately 1,290 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 30 violations on record.