Is Fountain Hill, AR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
82.6/100
waterverge.com Fountain Hill, AR — Water Quality Report
Fountain Hill's drinking water received a grade of B+ (82.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,028 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 34 violations on record, including 22 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Fountain Hill's water
Fountain Hill ranks #210 out of 345 cities in Arkansas for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Fountain Hill 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, Fountain Hill may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Fountain Hill, AR water safe to drink?
Fountain Hill's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (82.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,028 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Fountain Hill
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Fountain Hill's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (82.6/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3541). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1793). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Fountain Hill's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Fountain Hill's water system has 34 total violations on record, including 22 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Ashley County has experienced 5 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 Fountain Hill's water come from?
Fountain Hill's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,028 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Fountain Hill residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Fountain Hill'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.
Fountain Hill'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 droughtAshley County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 0.3% 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
Ashley County has experienced 5 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 Fountain Hill compares by contaminant
Explore where Fountain Hill ranks among all Arkansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Fountain Hill's water comes from
Fountain Hill'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 1,028 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Fountain Hill
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| FOUNTAIN HILL WATERWORKS | AR0000016 | 1,028 | GW |
How Fountain Hill compares
Full Arkansas rankings →Fountain Hill's score of 82.6/100 is above the average of 75/100 among major Arkansas cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Arkansas rankings →About Fountain Hill, AR
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Fountain Hill's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Ashley
Frequently asked questions
Is Fountain Hill, AR tap water safe to drink?
Fountain Hill's water quality earned a grade of B+ (82.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #210 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.
What contaminants are in Fountain Hill's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 34 violations are on record.
How is Fountain Hill'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 Fountain Hill?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Fountain Hill's water come from?
Fountain Hill's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,028 residents.
What health violations has Fountain Hill's water system had?
Fountain Hill has 22 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in February 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 4 violations remain unresolved.
Is Fountain Hill's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Fountain Hill 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 34 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 Fountain Hill's water compare to other cities?
Fountain Hill ranks #210 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 39% of state cities) and #6883 out of 15744 cities nationally (56th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Fountain Hill's small water system affect quality?
Fountain Hill's system serves approximately 1,028 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 34 violations on record.