Is Horseshoe Lake, AR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
88.4/100
waterverge.com Horseshoe Lake, AR — Water Quality Report
Horseshoe Lake's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 603 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 5.0 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 24 violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Horseshoe Lake's water
Horseshoe Lake ranks #128 out of 345 cities in Arkansas for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Horseshoe Lake 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, Horseshoe Lake may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Horseshoe Lake, AR water safe to drink?
Horseshoe Lake's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (88.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 603 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Horseshoe Lake
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Horseshoe Lake's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.4/100).
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: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Horseshoe Lake's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Horseshoe Lake's water system has 24 total violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Crittenden County has experienced 6 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 Horseshoe Lake's water come from?
Horseshoe Lake's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 603 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Horseshoe Lake residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Horseshoe Lake'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.
Horseshoe Lake'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 droughtCrittenden 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
Crittenden County has experienced 6 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. | 5.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Horseshoe Lake compares by contaminant
Explore where Horseshoe Lake ranks among all Arkansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Horseshoe Lake's water comes from
Horseshoe Lake'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 603 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Horseshoe Lake
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HORSESHOE LAKE UTILITIES | AR0000151 | 603 | GW |
How Horseshoe Lake compares
Full Arkansas rankings →Horseshoe Lake's score of 88.4/100 is above the average of 75/100 among major Arkansas cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Arkansas rankings →About Horseshoe Lake, AR
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Horseshoe Lake's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Crittenden
Frequently asked questions
Is Horseshoe Lake, AR tap water safe to drink?
Horseshoe Lake's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #128 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.
What contaminants are in Horseshoe Lake's water?
Lead was measured at 5.0 ppb (90th percentile). 24 violations are on record.
How is Horseshoe Lake'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 Horseshoe Lake?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Horseshoe Lake's water come from?
Horseshoe Lake's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 603 residents.
What health violations has Horseshoe Lake's water system had?
Horseshoe Lake has 11 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2021. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 4 violations remain unresolved.
Is Horseshoe Lake's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Horseshoe Lake 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 24 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 Horseshoe Lake's water compare to other cities?
Horseshoe Lake ranks #128 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 63% of state cities) and #3484 out of 15744 cities nationally (78th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Horseshoe Lake's small water system affect quality?
Horseshoe Lake's system serves approximately 603 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 24 violations on record.