Is Holly Grove, AR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
70.9/100
waterverge.com Holly Grove, AR — Water Quality Report
Holly Grove's drinking water received a grade of B- (70.9 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,557 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 54 violations on record, including 12 health-based violations. 25 remain unresolved.
What to know about Holly Grove's water
Holly Grove ranks #267 out of 345 cities in Arkansas for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Holly Grove 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.
As a small community water system, Holly Grove may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 8 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Holly Grove, AR water safe to drink?
Holly Grove's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (70.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,557 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Holly Grove
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Holly Grove's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (70.9/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4873). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3541). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Holly Grove's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Holly Grove's water system has 54 total violations on record, including 12 health-based violations. 25 remain unresolved. 8 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Monroe County has experienced 8 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 Holly Grove's water come from?
Holly Grove's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,557 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Holly Grove residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Holly Grove'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.
Holly Grove'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
D3 — extreme droughtMonroe County is currently in D3 (extreme 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.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Monroe County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1973. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Holly Grove'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. | 2.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.90 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Holly Grove compares by contaminant
Explore where Holly Grove ranks among all Arkansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Holly Grove's water comes from
Holly Grove'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 1,557 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Holly Grove
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HOLLY GROVE WATERWORKS | AR0000388 | 1,557 | GW |
How Holly Grove compares
Full Arkansas rankings →Holly Grove's score of 70.9/100 is on par with the average of 75/100 among major Arkansas cities. It outscores 3 of 10 nearby cities. 7 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Arkansas rankings →About Holly Grove, AR
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Holly Grove's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Monroe
Frequently asked questions
Is Holly Grove, AR tap water safe to drink?
Holly Grove's water quality earned a grade of B- (70.9/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #267 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.
What contaminants are in Holly Grove's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 54 violations are on record.
How is Holly Grove'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 Holly Grove?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Holly Grove's water come from?
Holly Grove's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,557 residents.
What health violations has Holly Grove's water system had?
Holly Grove has 12 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2022. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 25 violations remain unresolved.
Is Holly Grove's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Holly Grove 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 54 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 Holly Grove's water compare to other cities?
Holly Grove ranks #267 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 23% of state cities) and #10659 out of 15744 cities nationally (32th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Holly Grove's small water system affect quality?
Holly Grove's system serves approximately 1,557 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 54 violations on record.