Is Elaine, AR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 18 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
70/100
waterverge.com Elaine, AR — Water Quality Report
Elaine's drinking water received a grade of B- (70 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,233 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.0 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 29 violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 18 remain unresolved.
What to know about Elaine's water
Elaine ranks #270 out of 345 cities in Arkansas for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Elaine 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, Elaine may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 9 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Elaine, AR water safe to drink?
Elaine's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (70/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,233 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Elaine
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Elaine's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (70/100).
Contaminants: E. COLI.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3541). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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 Elaine's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Elaine's water system has 29 total violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 18 remain unresolved. 9 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Phillips County has experienced 4 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 Elaine's water come from?
Elaine's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,233 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Elaine residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Elaine'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.
Elaine'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 droughtPhillips 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
Phillips County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1973. 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. | 2.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Elaine compares by contaminant
Explore where Elaine ranks among all Arkansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Elaine's water comes from
Elaine'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 1,233 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Elaine
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ELAINE WATERWORKS | AR0000418 | 1,233 | GW |
How Elaine compares
Full Arkansas rankings →Elaine's score of 70/100 is on par with 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 Elaine, AR
Wikipedia →Elaine is a small town in Phillips County, Arkansas, United States, in the Arkansas Delta region of the Mississippi River. The population was 509 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Elaine's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Phillips
Frequently asked questions
Is Elaine, AR tap water safe to drink?
Elaine's water quality earned a grade of B- (70/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #270 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.
What contaminants are in Elaine's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 29 violations are on record.
How is Elaine'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 Elaine?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Elaine's water come from?
Elaine's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,233 residents.
What health violations has Elaine's water system had?
Elaine has 7 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 18 violations remain unresolved.
Is Elaine's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Elaine 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 29 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 Elaine's water compare to other cities?
Elaine ranks #270 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 22% of state cities) and #10829 out of 15744 cities nationally (31th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Elaine's small water system affect quality?
Elaine's system serves approximately 1,233 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 29 violations on record.