Is Dyer, AR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
69.9/100
Dyer, AR — Water Quality Report
Dyer's drinking water received a grade of C+ (69.9 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,028 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 13.0 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 49 violations on record, including 13 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Dyer's water
Dyer ranks #271 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.
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.
As a small community water system, Dyer may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Dyer, AR water safe to drink?
Dyer's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (69.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,028 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Dyer
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Dyer's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (69.9/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3541). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4441). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Dyer'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
Dyer's water system has 49 total violations on record, including 13 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Crawford County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1972. 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 Frog Bayou At Rudy, Mulberry River Near Mulberry.
Where does Dyer's water come from?
Dyer's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,028 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Frog Bayou At Rudy (river), Mulberry River Near Mulberry (river).
What Dyer residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Dyer'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.
Dyer'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
D2 — severe droughtCrawford County is currently in D2 (severe 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
Crawford County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1972. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Dyer'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. | 13.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Near Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Dyer compares by contaminant
Explore where Dyer ranks among all Arkansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Dyer's water comes from
Dyer'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 1,028 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Dyer
Dyer is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Dyer
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| DYER WATERWORKS | AR0000143 | 1,028 | SWP |
How Dyer compares
Full Arkansas rankings →Dyer's score of 69.9/100 is below the average of 75/100 among major Arkansas cities. It outscores 3 of 10 nearby cities. 7 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Arkansas rankings →About Dyer, AR
Wikipedia →Dyer is a city in Crawford County, Arkansas, United States. It is part of the Fort Smith, Arkansas-Oklahoma Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 772 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Dyer's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Crawford
Frequently asked questions
Is Dyer, AR tap water safe to drink?
Dyer's water quality earned a grade of C+ (69.9/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #271 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.
What contaminants are in Dyer's water?
Lead was measured at 13.0 ppb (90th percentile). 49 violations are on record.
How is Dyer'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 Dyer?
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 Dyer's water come from?
Dyer's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,028 residents.
What health violations has Dyer's water system had?
Dyer has 13 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 4 violations remain unresolved.
How does Dyer's water compare to other cities?
Dyer ranks #271 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 21% of state cities) and #10839 out of 15744 cities nationally (31th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Dyer's small water system affect quality?
Dyer's system serves approximately 1,028 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 49 violations on record.