Is Grubbs, AR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B — but Lead was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
75.7/100
waterverge.com Grubbs, AR — Water Quality Report
Grubbs's drinking water received a grade of B (75.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 823 residents using purchased ground water.
Lead levels were measured at 36.0 ppb (90th percentile), which exceeds the EPA action level of 15 ppb. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 18 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Grubbs's water
Grubbs ranks #252 out of 345 cities in Arkansas for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Grubbs purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
Lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb, which typically indicates aging lead service lines or lead solder in the distribution system. An NSF 53-certified filter is strongly recommended for drinking and cooking water.
As a small community water system, Grubbs may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Grubbs, AR water safe to drink?
Grubbs's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of B (75.7/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 823 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Grubbs
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Grubbs's water quality assessment. Grade: B (75.7/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4873). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3541). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Grubbs's water supply.
Exceeds EPA action level. Lead service line replacement and point-of-use filtration recommended.
Violation history
Grubbs's water system has 18 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Jackson 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 Tuckerman Ditch At Tuckerman.
Where does Grubbs's water come from?
Grubbs's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 823 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Tuckerman Ditch At Tuckerman (river).
What Grubbs residents can do
Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Grubbs'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Grubbs'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 Grubbs
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Grubbs, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 444 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ARKANSAS STEEL ASSOCIATES LLC NEWPORT, AR72112 | Manganese And Manganese Compounds | 444 | 9.7 mi |
SHEARER'S FOODS NEWPORT, AR72112 | — | — | 6.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D4 — exceptional droughtJackson County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 92.2% 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
Jackson 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Grubbs's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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. | 36.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Grubbs compares by contaminant
Explore where Grubbs ranks among all Arkansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Grubbs's water comes from
Grubbs purchases its water supply from a regional wholesale provider rather than treating raw water directly.
Water quality depends on both the wholesaler's treatment standards and the condition of Grubbs's local distribution pipes and storage facilities.
Purchased water systems are common in suburban areas and smaller communities that lack the infrastructure for independent treatment.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 823 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Grubbs
Grubbs is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Grubbs
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GRUBBS WATERWORKS | AR0000267 | 823 | GWP |
How Grubbs compares
Full Arkansas rankings →Grubbs's score of 75.7/100 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 Grubbs, AR
Wikipedia →Grubbs is a city in Jackson County, Arkansas, United States. As of the 2020 census, Grubbs had a population of 301.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Grubbs's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Jackson
Frequently asked questions
Is Grubbs, AR tap water safe to drink?
Grubbs's water quality earned a grade of B (75.7/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #252 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.
What contaminants are in Grubbs's water?
Lead was measured at 36.0 ppb (90th percentile). 18 violations are on record.
How is Grubbs'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 Grubbs?
Yes — lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb. We recommend an NSF 53-certified filter or reverse osmosis system. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Grubbs's water come from?
Grubbs's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 823 residents.
What health violations has Grubbs's water system had?
Grubbs has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 1996. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is Grubbs's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Grubbs 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 18 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 Grubbs's water compare to other cities?
Grubbs ranks #252 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 27% of state cities) and #9519 out of 15744 cities nationally (40th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Grubbs's small water system affect quality?
Grubbs's system serves approximately 823 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 18 violations on record.