Is Emerson, 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 ↓
72.1/100
waterverge.com Emerson, AR — Water Quality Report
Emerson's drinking water received a grade of B- (72.1 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,692 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 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 47 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 18 remain unresolved.
What to know about Emerson's water
Emerson ranks #265 out of 345 cities in Arkansas for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Emerson 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, Emerson may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 14 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Emerson, AR water safe to drink?
Emerson's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (72.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,692 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Emerson
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Emerson's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (72.1/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
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 Emerson's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Emerson's water system has 47 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 18 remain unresolved. 14 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Columbia County has experienced 7 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 Emerson's water come from?
Emerson's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,692 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Emerson residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Emerson'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.
Emerson'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 Emerson
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Emerson, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
WEYERHAEUSER NR CO-EMERSON PLYWOOD EMERSON, AR71740 | — | — | 4.3 mi |
HIXSON LUMBER CO LLC MAGNOLIA, AR71753 | — | — | 8.5 mi |
ALBEMARLE CORP SOUTH PLANT MAGNOLIA, AR71753 | — | — | 5.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtColumbia 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
Columbia County has experienced 7 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. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Emerson compares by contaminant
Explore where Emerson ranks among all Arkansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Emerson's water comes from
Emerson'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 1,692 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Emerson
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| EMERSON WATERWORKS | AR0000111 | 1,145 | GW |
| WALKERVILLE WATER ASSOCIATION | AR0000639 | 547 | GW |
How Emerson compares
Full Arkansas rankings →Emerson's score of 72.1/100 is on par with the average of 75/100 among major Arkansas cities. It outscores 4 of 10 nearby cities. 6 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Arkansas rankings →About Emerson, AR
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Emerson's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Columbia
Frequently asked questions
Is Emerson, AR tap water safe to drink?
Emerson's water quality earned a grade of B- (72.1/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #265 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.
What contaminants are in Emerson's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 47 violations are on record.
How is Emerson'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 Emerson?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Emerson's water come from?
Emerson's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,692 residents.
What health violations has Emerson's water system had?
Emerson has 6 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 18 violations remain unresolved.
Is Emerson's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Emerson 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 47 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 Emerson's water compare to other cities?
Emerson ranks #265 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 23% of state cities) and #10440 out of 15744 cities nationally (34th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.