Is Fifty Six, AR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C-, with 35 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
59.9/100
waterverge.com Fifty Six, AR — Water Quality Report
Fifty Six's drinking water received a grade of C- (59.9 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 885 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 70 violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 35 remain unresolved.
What to know about Fifty Six's water
Fifty Six ranks #298 out of 345 cities in Arkansas for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Fifty Six 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, Fifty Six 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 Fifty Six, AR water safe to drink?
Fifty Six's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C- (59.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 885 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Fifty Six
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Fifty Six's water quality assessment. Grade: C- (59.9/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4873). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
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 Fifty Six's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Fifty Six's water system has 70 total violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 35 remain unresolved. 14 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Stone County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1969. 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 North Sylamore Creek Near Fifty Six, White River At Allison.
Where does Fifty Six's water come from?
Fifty Six's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 885 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include North Sylamore Creek Near Fifty Six (river), White River At Allison (river).
What Fifty Six residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Fifty Six'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.
Fifty Six'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
D4 — exceptional droughtStone County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 100.0% 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
Stone County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1969. 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 Fifty Six compares by contaminant
Explore where Fifty Six ranks among all Arkansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Fifty Six's water comes from
Fifty Six'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 885 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Fifty Six
Fifty Six is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Fifty Six
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| FIFTY SIX WATERWORKS | AR0000046 | 595 | GW |
| SYLAMORE VALLEY WATER ASSN | AR0000882 | 290 | SWP |
How Fifty Six compares
Full Arkansas rankings →Fifty Six's score of 59.9/100 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 →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Fifty Six's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Stone
Frequently asked questions
Is Fifty Six, AR tap water safe to drink?
Fifty Six's water quality earned a grade of C- (59.9/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #298 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.
What contaminants are in Fifty Six's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 70 violations are on record.
How is Fifty Six'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 Fifty Six?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Fifty Six's water come from?
Fifty Six's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 885 residents.
What health violations has Fifty Six's water system had?
Fifty Six has 9 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. 35 violations remain unresolved.
Is Fifty Six's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Fifty Six 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 70 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 Fifty Six's water compare to other cities?
Fifty Six ranks #298 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 14% of state cities) and #12135 out of 15744 cities nationally (23th percentile). The grade of C- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.