Is Gurdon, 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 ↓
83.3/100
waterverge.com Gurdon, AR — Water Quality Report
Gurdon's drinking water received a grade of B+ (83.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,547 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 11.2 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 15 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Gurdon's water
Gurdon ranks #199 out of 345 cities in Arkansas for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Gurdon 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Gurdon, AR water safe to drink?
Gurdon's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (83.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,547 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Gurdon
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Gurdon's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (83.3/100).
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.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Gurdon's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Gurdon's water system has 15 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Clark County has experienced 6 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 Gurdon's water come from?
Gurdon's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 3,547 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Gurdon residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Gurdon'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.
Gurdon'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 Gurdon
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Gurdon, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
GP WOOD PRODUCTS LLC GURDON PLYWOOD & LUMBER COMPLEX GURDON, AR71743 | — | — | 0.5 mi |
BUILDING MATERIALS MANUFACTURING LLC - PMMA PRODUCTION ARKADELPHIA, AR71923 | — | — | 10.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtClark 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
Clark County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1973. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Gurdon'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. | 11.2 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Near Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Gurdon compares by contaminant
Explore where Gurdon ranks among all Arkansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Gurdon's water comes from
Gurdon'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 3,547 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Gurdon
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GURDON WATERWORKS | AR0000087 | 2,988 | GW |
| WHELEN SPRINGS WATER DEPT | AR0000804 | 559 | GWP |
How Gurdon compares
Full Arkansas rankings →Gurdon's score of 83.3/100 is above the average of 75/100 among major Arkansas cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Arkansas rankings →About Gurdon, AR
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Gurdon's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Clark
Frequently asked questions
Is Gurdon, AR tap water safe to drink?
Gurdon's water quality earned a grade of B+ (83.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #199 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.
What contaminants are in Gurdon's water?
Lead was measured at 11.2 ppb (90th percentile). 15 violations are on record.
How is Gurdon'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 Gurdon?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Gurdon's water come from?
Gurdon's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 3,547 residents.
What health violations has Gurdon's water system had?
Gurdon has 6 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2015. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 4 violations remain unresolved.
Is Gurdon's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Gurdon 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 15 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 Gurdon's water compare to other cities?
Gurdon ranks #199 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 42% of state cities) and #6489 out of 15744 cities nationally (59th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.