Is Hardy, 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 ↓
91.1/100
waterverge.com Hardy, AR — Water Quality Report
Hardy's drinking water received a grade of A (91.1 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,491 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 18 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Hardy's water
Hardy ranks #74 out of 345 cities in Arkansas for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Hardy 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 Hardy, AR water safe to drink?
Hardy's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A (91.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,491 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Hardy
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Hardy's water quality assessment. Grade: A (91.1/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4873). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3541). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Hardy's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Hardy's water system has 18 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Sharp 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 Spring River At Spring Street Bridge At Hardy.
Where does Hardy's water come from?
Hardy's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 3,491 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Spring River At Spring Street Bridge At Hardy (river).
What Hardy residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Hardy'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.
Hardy'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
Drought conditions
D4 — exceptional droughtSharp County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 79.0% 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
Sharp 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.
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 Hardy compares by contaminant
Explore where Hardy ranks among all Arkansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Hardy's water comes from
Hardy'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 3,491 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Hardy
Hardy is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Hardy
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HIGHLAND WATER ASSOCIATION | AR0000672 | 2,390 | GW |
| HARDY WATERWORKS | AR0000524 | 1,101 | GW |
How Hardy compares
Full Arkansas rankings →Hardy's score of 91.1/100 is above the average of 75/100 among major Arkansas cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Arkansas rankings →About Hardy, AR
Wikipedia →Hardy is the 2nd oldest city in Sharp and Fulton counties in the U.S. state of Arkansas. The population was 770 in 2024.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Hardy's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Fulton
Frequently asked questions
Is Hardy, AR tap water safe to drink?
Hardy's water quality earned a grade of A (91.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #74 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.
What contaminants are in Hardy's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 18 violations are on record.
How is Hardy'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 Hardy?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Hardy's water come from?
Hardy's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 3,491 residents.
What health violations has Hardy's water system had?
Hardy has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Hardy's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Hardy 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 Hardy's water compare to other cities?
Hardy ranks #74 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 79% of state cities) and #1865 out of 15744 cities nationally (88th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.