Is Hampton, AR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 13 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
84.3/100
waterverge.com Hampton, AR — Water Quality Report
Hampton's drinking water received a grade of B+ (84.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,497 residents using groundwater.
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 26 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 13 remain unresolved.
What to know about Hampton's water
Hampton ranks #185 out of 345 cities in Arkansas for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Hampton 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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Hampton, AR water safe to drink?
Hampton's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (84.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,497 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Hampton
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Hampton's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (84.3/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3541). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1793). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Hampton's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Hampton's water system has 26 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 13 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Calhoun County has experienced 5 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 Hampton's water come from?
Hampton's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 3,497 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Hampton residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Hampton'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.
Hampton'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 Hampton
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Hampton, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
GENERAL DYNAMICS - OTS INC. (CAMDEN OP.) HAMPTON, AR71744 | — | — | 6.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D4 — exceptional droughtCalhoun County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 55.4% 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.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Calhoun County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1973. 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 Hampton compares by contaminant
Explore where Hampton ranks among all Arkansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Hampton's water comes from
Hampton'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 3,497 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Hampton
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HAMPTON WATERWORKS | AR0000070 | 1,906 | GW |
| CALHOUN COUNTY WATER ASSN | AR0000919 | 1,591 | GW |
How Hampton compares
Full Arkansas rankings →Hampton's score of 84.3/100 is above the average of 75/100 among major Arkansas cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Arkansas rankings →About Hampton, AR
Wikipedia →Hampton is a town in Calhoun County, Arkansas, United States. The population was 1,181 according to the 2020 United States census. The town is the county seat of Calhoun County.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Hampton's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Calhoun
Frequently asked questions
Is Hampton, AR tap water safe to drink?
Hampton's water quality earned a grade of B+ (84.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #185 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.
What contaminants are in Hampton's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 26 violations are on record.
How is Hampton'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 Hampton?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Hampton's water come from?
Hampton's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 3,497 residents.
What health violations has Hampton's water system had?
Hampton has 5 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 2022. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 13 violations remain unresolved.
Is Hampton's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Hampton 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 26 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 Hampton's water compare to other cities?
Hampton ranks #185 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 46% of state cities) and #5973 out of 15744 cities nationally (62th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.