Is Hackett, AR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
62.6/100
waterverge.com Hackett, AR — Water Quality Report
Hackett's drinking water received a grade of C (62.6 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,090 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 15.0 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 26 violations on record, including 17 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Hackett's water
Hackett ranks #292 out of 345 cities in Arkansas for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated 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.
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.
As a small community water system, Hackett may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 7 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Hackett, AR water safe to drink?
Hackett's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of C (62.6/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,090 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Hackett
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Hackett's water quality assessment. Grade: C (62.6/100).
2 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
2 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3541). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4441). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Hackett'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
Hackett's water system has 26 total violations on record, including 17 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 7 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Sebastian County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1972. 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 James Fork Near Hackett.
Where does Hackett's water come from?
Hackett's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,090 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include James Fork Near Hackett (river).
What Hackett residents can do
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.
Hackett'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 Hackett
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Hackett, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 16 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
GNB FORT SMITH LLC FORT SMITH, AR72908 | Lead | 12 | 9.7 mi |
GERDAU-FORT SMITH MILL FORT SMITH, AR72916 | Copper compounds | 4 | 8.3 mi |
ABB MOTORS & MECHANICAL INC. FORT SMITH, AR72901 | — | — | 9.7 mi |
RHEEM MANUFACTURING CO FORT SMITH, AR72908 | — | — | 9.9 mi |
OWENS CORNING-FORT SMITH FORT SMITH, AR72916 | — | — | 8.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Sebastian County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1972. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Hackett'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. | 15.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Near Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Hackett compares by contaminant
Explore where Hackett ranks among all Arkansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Hackett's water comes from
Hackett'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 1,090 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Hackett
Hackett is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Hackett
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HACKETT WATERWORKS | AR0000505 | 1,090 | SWP |
How Hackett compares
Full Arkansas rankings →Hackett's score of 62.6/100 is below the average of 75/100 among major Arkansas cities. It outscores 2 of 10 nearby cities. 8 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Arkansas rankings →About Hackett, AR
Wikipedia →Hackett is a city in Sebastian County, Arkansas, United States. It is part of the Fort Smith, Arkansas-Oklahoma Metropolitan Statistical Area. As of the 2020 census, Hackett had a population of 784.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Hackett's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Sebastian
Frequently asked questions
Is Hackett, AR tap water safe to drink?
Hackett's water quality earned a grade of C (62.6/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #292 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.
What contaminants are in Hackett's water?
Lead was measured at 15.0 ppb (90th percentile). 26 violations are on record.
How is Hackett'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 Hackett?
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 Hackett's water come from?
Hackett's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,090 residents.
What health violations has Hackett's water system had?
Hackett has 17 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2022. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
How does Hackett's water compare to other cities?
Hackett ranks #292 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 15% of state cities) and #11864 out of 15744 cities nationally (25th percentile). The grade of C reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Hackett's small water system affect quality?
Hackett's system serves approximately 1,090 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 26 violations on record.