Is Dierks, AR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
90.8/100
waterverge.com Dierks, AR — Water Quality Report
Dierks's drinking water received a grade of A (90.8 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,317 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 3.0 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 15 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Dierks's water
Dierks ranks #83 out of 345 cities in Arkansas for water quality, placing it above 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, Dierks may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Dierks, AR water safe to drink?
Dierks's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A (90.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,317 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Dierks
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Dierks's water quality assessment. Grade: A (90.8/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3541). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule, Surface Water Treatment Rule, Coliform (TCR).
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 Dierks's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Dierks's water system has 15 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Howard 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. Local water sources include Saline River Near Dierks.
Where does Dierks's water come from?
Dierks's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,317 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Saline River Near Dierks (river).
What Dierks residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Dierks'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.
Dierks'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 Dierks
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Dierks, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 0 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CERTAINTEED GYPSUM NASHVILLE NASHVILLE, AR71852 | Lead | 0 | 8.4 mi |
WEYERHAEUSER NR CO DIERKS, AR71833 | — | — | 0.7 mi |
PILGRIMS PRIDE CORP - NASHVILLE FEED MILL NASHVILLE, AR71852 | — | — | 9.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtHoward 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
Howard 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. | 3.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Dierks compares by contaminant
Explore where Dierks ranks among all Arkansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Dierks's water comes from
Dierks'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 1,317 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Dierks
Dierks is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Dierks
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIERKS WATER WORKS | AR0000243 | 1,317 | SW |
How Dierks compares
Full Arkansas rankings →Dierks's score of 90.8/100 is above the average of 75/100 among major Arkansas cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Arkansas rankings →About Dierks, AR
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Dierks's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Howard
Frequently asked questions
Is Dierks, AR tap water safe to drink?
Dierks's water quality earned a grade of A (90.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #83 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.
What contaminants are in Dierks's water?
Lead was measured at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile). 15 violations are on record.
How is Dierks'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 Dierks?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Dierks's water come from?
Dierks's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,317 residents.
What health violations has Dierks's water system had?
Dierks has 6 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2016. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
How does Dierks's water compare to other cities?
Dierks ranks #83 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 76% of state cities) and #2048 out of 15744 cities nationally (87th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Dierks's small water system affect quality?
Dierks's system serves approximately 1,317 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 15 violations on record.