Is Hoxie, AR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
84.9/100
waterverge.com Hoxie, AR — Water Quality Report
Hoxie's drinking water received a grade of B+ (84.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,666 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 3.0 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 11 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Hoxie's water
Hoxie ranks #175 out of 345 cities in Arkansas for water quality, placing it below average 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.
As a small community water system, Hoxie may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Hoxie, AR water safe to drink?
Hoxie's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (84.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,666 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Hoxie
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Hoxie's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (84.9/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4873). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
1 health-based. 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 Hoxie's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Hoxie's water system has 11 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Lawrence County has experienced 5 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 Black River At Black Rock.
Where does Hoxie's water come from?
Hoxie's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,666 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Black River At Black Rock (river).
What Hoxie residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Hoxie'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.
Hoxie'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 Hoxie
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Hoxie, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
EAGAN MANUFACTURING CO INC BLACK ROCK, AR72415 | — | — | 9.2 mi |
FRIT INDUSTRIES WALNUT RIDGE, AR72476 | — | — | 6.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D4 — exceptional droughtLawrence County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 10.4% 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
Lawrence County has experienced 5 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. | 3.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Hoxie compares by contaminant
Explore where Hoxie ranks among all Arkansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Hoxie's water comes from
Hoxie'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 2,666 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Hoxie
Hoxie is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Hoxie
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HOXIE WATER DEPARTMENT | AR0000301 | 2,666 | SWP |
How Hoxie compares
Full Arkansas rankings →Hoxie's score of 84.9/100 is above the average of 75/100 among major Arkansas cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Arkansas rankings →About Hoxie, AR
Wikipedia →Hoxie is a city in Lawrence County, Arkansas, United States. It lies immediately south of Walnut Ridge. As of the 2020 census, Hoxie had a population of 2,598.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Hoxie's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Lawrence
Frequently asked questions
Is Hoxie, AR tap water safe to drink?
Hoxie's water quality earned a grade of B+ (84.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #175 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.
What contaminants are in Hoxie's water?
Lead was measured at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile). 11 violations are on record.
How is Hoxie'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 Hoxie?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Hoxie's water come from?
Hoxie's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,666 residents.
What health violations has Hoxie's water system had?
Hoxie has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2022. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 4 violations remain unresolved.
How does Hoxie's water compare to other cities?
Hoxie ranks #175 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 49% of state cities) and #5615 out of 15744 cities nationally (64th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Hoxie's small water system affect quality?
Hoxie's system serves approximately 2,666 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 11 violations on record.