Is Garfield, AR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 7 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
83/100
waterverge.com Garfield, AR — Water Quality Report
Garfield's drinking water received a grade of B+ (83 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,808 residents using purchased surface water.
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 10 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Garfield's water
Garfield ranks #202 out of 345 cities in Arkansas for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
As a small community water system, Garfield may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Garfield, AR water safe to drink?
Garfield's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (83/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,808 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Garfield
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Garfield's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (83/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3541). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule.
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 Garfield's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Garfield's water system has 34 total violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Benton County has experienced 7 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 White River At Beaver Dam Near Eureka Springs, Roaring River At Roaring River State Park.
Where does Garfield's water come from?
Garfield's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,808 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include White River At Beaver Dam Near Eureka Springs (river), Roaring River At Roaring River State Park (river).
What Garfield residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Garfield'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.
Garfield'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
D1 — moderate droughtBenton County is currently in D1 (moderate 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
Benton County has experienced 7 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 Garfield compares by contaminant
Explore where Garfield ranks among all Arkansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Garfield's water comes from
Garfield's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 1,808 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Garfield
Garfield is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Garfield
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LOST BRIDGE VILL WAT-SEW DISTS | AR0000049 | 1,050 | SWP |
| GARFIELD WATERWORKS | AR0000047 | 758 | SWP |
How Garfield compares
Full Arkansas rankings →Garfield's score of 83/100 is above the average of 75/100 among major Arkansas cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Arkansas rankings →About Garfield, AR
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Garfield's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Benton
Frequently asked questions
Is Garfield, AR tap water safe to drink?
Garfield's water quality earned a grade of B+ (83/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #202 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.
What contaminants are in Garfield's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 34 violations are on record.
How is Garfield'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 Garfield?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Garfield's water come from?
Garfield's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,808 residents.
What health violations has Garfield's water system had?
Garfield has 10 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 7 violations remain unresolved.
How does Garfield's water compare to other cities?
Garfield ranks #202 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 41% of state cities) and #6659 out of 15744 cities nationally (58th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.