WaterVerge

Is Guy, AR Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded A, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

2K residents served 1 water system PWSID: AR0000192
Overall Score
91.6 / 100
Violations
3 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Purchased surface water
#69 of 345 in Arkansas Top 10% nationally
Local Government
High data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
AGRADE
Water Quality Grade
91.6/100
waterverge.com
A 91.6/100

Guy, AR — Water Quality Report

Guy's drinking water received a grade of A (91.6 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,438 residents using purchased surface water.

Lead levels were measured at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. PFAS testing under UCMR 5 found no detectable forever chemicals.

The system has 12 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Guy's water

Guy ranks #69 out of 345 cities in Arkansas for water quality, placing it above 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, Guy may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
91.6 out of 100 Grade A
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
43.6/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
19/20
A
Lead at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
20/20
A
No PFAS compounds detected.
Compliance
5/10
D
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
4/5
B
Water source: Purchased surface water.
Water Safety

Is Guy, AR water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Guy's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A (91.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,438 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).

3
Active Violations
3.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
None
PFAS Detected
7 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Guy

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Guy's water quality assessment. Grade: A (91.6/100).

Disaster
HURRICANE LAURA

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3541). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4441). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Guy's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 3.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Guy's water system has 12 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.

MRMCLOther
Most recent violations:
May 2015 Coliform (TCR) Resolved
Jan 2012 Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Resolved
Jul 2010 Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Resolved
Apr 2010 Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Resolved
Jul 2005 Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Faulkner 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 Cadron Creek Near Guy, East Fork Cadron Creek Near Enola.

HURRICANE LAURA
Hurricane FEMA DR-3541
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4441
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-3414

Where does Guy's water come from?

Guy's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,438 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Cadron Creek Near Guy (river), East Fork Cadron Creek Near Enola (river).

What Guy residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Guy's water.

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

Guy'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
3.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 20% of limit
Safe Level
PFAS Testing

Forever chemicals overview

National PFAS report →
30
Compounds tested
0
Detected
0
Exceed EPA MCL
Compliance Record

Violation summary

12
Total violations
5
Health-based
3
Active / unresolved
May 2015
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

12 Total
3 Active
5 Health-based
9 Resolved
Violations by category
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
5
Total Coliform Rule
2
Lead and Copper Rule
2
Surface Water Treatment Rule
2
May 2004 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Sep 1995 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
May 2015 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved May 2015
Jan 2012 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Mar 2012
Jul 2010 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Sep 2010
Apr 2010 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Jun 2010
Jul 2005 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Sep 2005
Apr 2005 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Jun 2005
Dec 2003 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2003
Mar 1999 Resolved
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 1999
Mar 1999 Resolved
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Other Violation Resolved Mar 1999
Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D4 — exceptional drought

Faulkner County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 35.4% 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.

14
Weeks at D2+ (current streak)
10.7%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
14
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

7
Declared disasters
Aug 2020
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Faulkner 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.

Aug 2020
HURRICANE LAURA
Hurricane FEMA #3541
Jun 2019
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4441
May 2019
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #3414
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3215
Apr 1997
FLOODING, SEVERE STORMS
Flood FEMA #1176
May 1990
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #865

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 3.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
11Cl-PF3OUdS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
4:2 FTS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
6:2 FTS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
8:2 FTS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
9Cl-PF3ONS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
ADONA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
HFPO-DA ND 0.01 µg/L PFAS Not Detected
lithium ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
NEtFOSAA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
NFDHA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
NMeFOSAA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFBA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFBS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFDA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFDoA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFEESA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFHpA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFHpS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFHxA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFHxS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFMBA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFMPA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFNA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFOA ND 0.004 µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFOS ND 0.004 µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFPeA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFPeS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFTA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFTrDA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFUnA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 7.0 ppb from 1993 (10.0 ppb) to 2007 (3.0 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Purchased Surface Water
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
2,438
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Guy's water comes from

Purchased Surface Water

Guy'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 2,438 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Guy

Guy is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.

Cadron Creek Near Guy
river
East Fork Cadron Creek Near Enola
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Guy

System Name PWSID Population Source
GUY WATERWORKS AR0000192 2,438 SWP
Regional Comparison

How Guy compares

Full Arkansas rankings →

Guy's score of 91.6/100 is above the average of 75/100 among major Arkansas cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.

Guy (this city)
91.6
Springdale
79.1
Fort Smith
45.5
Arkansas avg
75
City Profile

About Guy, AR

Economic Profile
$70,000
Median Income
$200,110
Median Home Value
$790/mo
Median Rent
10.8%
Unemployment
Community
39
Median Age
35
People / sq mi
21.7%
College Educated
82.1%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Guy, AR tap water safe to drink?

Guy's water quality earned a grade of A (91.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #69 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.

What contaminants are in Guy's water?

Lead was measured at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile). No PFAS compounds were detected. 12 violations are on record.

How is Guy'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 Guy?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Guy's water come from?

Guy's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,438 residents.

What health violations has Guy's water system had?

Guy has 5 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in May 2015. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.

How does Guy's water compare to other cities?

Guy ranks #69 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 80% of state cities) and #1581 out of 15744 cities nationally (90th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Guy's small water system affect quality?

Guy's system serves approximately 2,438 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 12 violations on record.