WaterVerge

Is Highfall, AR Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded A, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

4K residents served 1 water system PWSID: AR0000885
Overall Score
90.4 / 100
Violations
2 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Purchased surface water
#88 of 345 in Arkansas Top 14% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
AGRADE
Water Quality Grade
90.4/100
waterverge.com
A 90.4/100

Highfall, AR — Water Quality Report

Highfall's drinking water received a grade of A (90.4 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,970 residents using purchased surface water.

Lead levels were measured at 1.0 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 20 violations on record, including 14 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.

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

What to know about Highfall's water

Highfall ranks #88 out of 345 cities in Arkansas for water quality, placing it mid-range 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.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
90.4 out of 100 Grade A
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
41.4/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
8/10
B
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
4/5
B
Water source: Purchased surface water.
Water Safety

Is Highfall, AR water safe to drink?

Use Caution

Highfall's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (90.4/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,970 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).

2
Active Violations
1.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)

Recent water quality updates for Highfall

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

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Highfall's water quality assessment. Grade: A (90.4/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.

Key contaminant findings

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

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 1.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Highfall's water system has 20 total violations on record, including 14 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.

MONMCLMROther
Most recent violations:
Jan 2019 Revised Total Coliform Rule Resolved
Apr 2016 TTHM Resolved
Jan 2016 TTHM Resolved
Oct 2015 TTHM Resolved
Aug 2013 Coliform (TCR) Resolved

Where does Highfall's water come from?

Highfall's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,970 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.

What Highfall residents can do

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.

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
1.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 7% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

20
Total violations
14
Health-based
2
Active / unresolved
Jan 2019
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

20 Total
2 Active
14 Health-based
18 Resolved
1 SNC
Violations by category
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
10
Total Coliform Rule
4
Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
3
Consumer Confidence Rule
2
Revised Total Coliform Rule
1
Jul 2007 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2005 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jan 2019 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved Jan 2019
Apr 2016 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
SNC Health Resolved Jun 2016
Jan 2016 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Mar 2016
Oct 2015 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Dec 2015
Aug 2013 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Aug 2013
Jul 2009 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Sep 2009
Apr 2009 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Jun 2009
Jan 2009 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Mar 2009
Oct 2008 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Dec 2008
Jul 2008 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Sep 2008
Apr 2008 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Jun 2008
Jan 2008 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Jan 2008
Oct 2007 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Dec 2007
Jul 2007 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Sep 2007
Apr 2007 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Jun 2007
Jun 2005 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2005
May 2005 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved May 2005
Dec 2004 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2004
Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D1 — moderate drought

Benton County is currently in D1 (moderate 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.

10.4%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
12
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

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

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 1.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level (90th percentile)

Latest reading: 1.0 ppb (2025)

EPA action level: 15 ppb

Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Purchased Surface Water
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
3,970
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Highfall's water comes from

Purchased Surface Water

Highfall'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 3,970 people through 1 water system.

Infrastructure

Water systems serving Highfall

System Name PWSID Population Source
HIGHFILL WATER DEPARTMENT AR0000885 3,970 SWP
Regional Comparison

How Highfall compares

Full Arkansas rankings →

Highfall's score of 90.4/100 is above the average of 75/100 among major Arkansas cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.

Highfall (this city)
90.4
Springdale
79.1
Fort Smith
45.5
Arkansas avg
75
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Frequently asked questions

Is Highfall, AR tap water safe to drink?

Highfall's water quality earned a grade of A (90.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #88 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.

What contaminants are in Highfall's water?

Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 20 violations are on record.

How is Highfall'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 Highfall?

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

Where does Highfall's water come from?

Highfall's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,970 residents.

What health violations has Highfall's water system had?

Highfall has 14 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2019. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.

How does Highfall's water compare to other cities?

Highfall ranks #88 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 74% of state cities) and #2225 out of 15744 cities nationally (86th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.