Is Earle, AR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 17 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
51/100
waterverge.com Earle, AR — Water Quality Report
Earle's drinking water received a grade of D+ (51 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,047 residents using groundwater.
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 39 violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 17 remain unresolved.
What to know about Earle's water
Earle ranks #313 out of 345 cities in Arkansas for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Earle 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.
As a small community water system, Earle may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 7 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Earle, AR water safe to drink?
Earle's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (51/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,047 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Earle
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Earle's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (51/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4873). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3541). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Earle'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
Earle's water system has 39 total violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 17 remain unresolved. 7 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Crittenden 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 Earle's water come from?
Earle's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,047 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Earle residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Earle'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.
Earle'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 droughtCrittenden 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
Crittenden 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 Earle'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 Earle compares by contaminant
Explore where Earle ranks among all Arkansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Earle's water comes from
Earle'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 2,047 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Earle
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| EARLE WATERWORKS | AR0000150 | 1,659 | GW |
| PARKIN RURAL PUBLIC WATER AUTHORITY | AR0000662 | 388 | GWP |
How Earle compares
Full Arkansas rankings →Earle's score of 51/100 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 Earle, AR
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Earle's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Crittenden
Frequently asked questions
Is Earle, AR tap water safe to drink?
Earle's water quality earned a grade of D+ (51/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #313 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.
What contaminants are in Earle's water?
Lead was measured at 13.0 ppb (90th percentile). 39 violations are on record.
How is Earle'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 Earle?
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 Earle's water come from?
Earle's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,047 residents.
What health violations has Earle's water system had?
Earle has 10 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 17 violations remain unresolved.
Is Earle's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Earle 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 39 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 Earle's water compare to other cities?
Earle ranks #313 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 9% of state cities) and #12930 out of 15744 cities nationally (18th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.