Is East Camden, AR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
88.5/100
waterverge.com East Camden, AR — Water Quality Report
East Camden's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,399 residents using groundwater.
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 4 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about East Camden's water
East Camden ranks #124 out of 345 cities in Arkansas for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
East Camden 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.
As a small community water system, East Camden may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is East Camden, AR water safe to drink?
East Camden's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (88.5/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,399 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for East Camden
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into East Camden's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.5/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4873). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3541). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for East Camden's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
East Camden's water system has 4 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Ouachita County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1987. 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 Ouachita River At Camden.
Where does East Camden's water come from?
East Camden's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,399 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Ouachita River At Camden (river).
What East Camden residents can do
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.
East Camden'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 East Camden
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near East Camden, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
AEROJET ROCKETDYNE INC EAST CAMDEN, AR71701 | — | — | 5.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D4 — exceptional droughtCalhoun County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 55.4% of the county is in D4 (exceptional) drought. 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
Ouachita County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1987. 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 East Camden compares by contaminant
Explore where East Camden ranks among all Arkansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where East Camden's water comes from
East Camden'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 private ownership and serves approximately 1,399 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near East Camden
East Camden is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving East Camden
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SHUMAKER PUBLIC SERVICE CO | AR0000407 | 1,399 | GW |
How East Camden compares
Full Arkansas rankings →East Camden's score of 88.5/100 is above the average of 75/100 among major Arkansas cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Arkansas rankings →About East Camden, AR
Wikipedia →East Camden is a city in Ouachita County, Arkansas, United States. The population was 798 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Camden Micropolitan Statistical Area. East Camden was originally called Billkitts Rental Housing and began as a planned community created to support the nearby Shumaker Naval Ammunition Depot.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to East Camden's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Calhoun
Frequently asked questions
Is East Camden, AR tap water safe to drink?
East Camden's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #124 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.
What contaminants are in East Camden's water?
Lead was measured at 4.0 ppb (90th percentile). 4 violations are on record.
How is East Camden'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 East Camden?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does East Camden's water come from?
East Camden's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,399 residents.
Is East Camden's groundwater at risk of contamination?
East Camden 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 4 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 East Camden's water compare to other cities?
East Camden ranks #124 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 64% of state cities) and #3429 out of 15744 cities nationally (78th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does East Camden's small water system affect quality?
East Camden's system serves approximately 1,399 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 4 violations on record.