Is Horatio, AR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C-, with 29 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
58.1/100
waterverge.com Horatio, AR — Water Quality Report
Horatio's drinking water received a grade of C- (58.1 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,278 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 12.0 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 36 violations on record, including 21 health-based violations. 29 remain unresolved.
What to know about Horatio's water
Horatio ranks #303 out of 345 cities in Arkansas for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Horatio 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.
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, Horatio may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Horatio, AR water safe to drink?
Horatio's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C- (58.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,278 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Horatio
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Horatio's water quality assessment. Grade: C- (58.1/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4873). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3541). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Horatio'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
Horatio's water system has 36 total violations on record, including 21 health-based violations. 29 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Sevier County has experienced 5 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 Rolling Fork Near Dequeen, Little River Near Horatio, Cossatot River Near Dequeen.
Where does Horatio's water come from?
Horatio's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,278 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Rolling Fork Near Dequeen (river), Little River Near Horatio (river), Cossatot River Near Dequeen (river).
What Horatio residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Horatio'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Horatio'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 Horatio
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Horatio, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
PILGRIM'S PRIDE CORP DE QUEEN PROCESSING PLANT DE QUEEN, AR71832 | — | — | 6.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtSevier 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
Sevier County has experienced 5 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 Horatio'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. | 12.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Near Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Horatio compares by contaminant
Explore where Horatio ranks among all Arkansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Horatio's water comes from
Horatio'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 1,278 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Horatio
Horatio is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Horatio
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HORATIO WATERWORKS | AR0000518 | 1,278 | GW |
How Horatio compares
Full Arkansas rankings →Horatio's score of 58.1/100 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 Horatio, AR
Wikipedia →Horatio is a city in Sevier County, Arkansas, United States. As of the 2020 census, Horatio had a population of 920.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Horatio's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Sevier
Frequently asked questions
Is Horatio, AR tap water safe to drink?
Horatio's water quality earned a grade of C- (58.1/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #303 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.
What contaminants are in Horatio's water?
Lead was measured at 12.0 ppb (90th percentile). 36 violations are on record.
How is Horatio'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 Horatio?
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 Horatio's water come from?
Horatio's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,278 residents.
What health violations has Horatio's water system had?
Horatio has 21 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 29 violations remain unresolved.
Is Horatio's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Horatio 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 36 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 Horatio's water compare to other cities?
Horatio ranks #303 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 12% of state cities) and #12315 out of 15744 cities nationally (22th percentile). The grade of C- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Horatio's small water system affect quality?
Horatio's system serves approximately 1,278 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 36 violations on record.