Is Hughes, AR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C — but Lead and Copper were detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
64.5/100
waterverge.com Hughes, AR — Water Quality Report
Hughes's drinking water received a grade of C (64.5 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,182 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 20.0 ppb (90th percentile), which exceeds the EPA action level of 15 ppb. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 18 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved.
What to know about Hughes's water
Hughes ranks #287 out of 345 cities in Arkansas for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Hughes 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.
Lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb, which typically indicates aging lead service lines or lead solder in the distribution system. An NSF 53-certified filter is strongly recommended for drinking and cooking water.
As a small community water system, Hughes may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Hughes, AR water safe to drink?
Hughes's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C (64.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,182 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Hughes
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Hughes's water quality assessment. Grade: C (64.5/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4873). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3541). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Hughes's water supply.
Exceeds EPA action level. Lead service line replacement and point-of-use filtration recommended.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Hughes's water system has 18 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
St. Francis County has experienced 7 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.
Where does Hughes's water come from?
Hughes's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 3,182 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Hughes residents can do
Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Hughes'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.
Hughes'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 droughtSaint Francis 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
St. Francis County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1969. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Hughes'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. | 20.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Over Limit |
| 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. | 1.44 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.440 mg/L (2005)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Hughes compares by contaminant
Explore where Hughes ranks among all Arkansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Hughes's water comes from
Hughes'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 3,182 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Hughes
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HUGHES COMMUNITY WATER ASSOC | AR0000011 | 2,195 | GW |
| HUGHES WATERWORKS | AR0000531 | 987 | GW |
How Hughes compares
Full Arkansas rankings →Hughes's score of 64.5/100 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 Hughes, AR
Wikipedia →Hughes is a city in St. Francis County, Arkansas, United States. As of the 2020 census, it had a population of 1,056.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Hughes's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across St. Francis
Frequently asked questions
Is Hughes, AR tap water safe to drink?
Hughes's water quality earned a grade of C (64.5/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #287 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.
What contaminants are in Hughes's water?
Lead was measured at 20.0 ppb (90th percentile). 18 violations are on record.
How is Hughes'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 Hughes?
Yes — lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb. We recommend an NSF 53-certified filter or reverse osmosis system. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Hughes's water come from?
Hughes's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 3,182 residents.
What health violations has Hughes's water system had?
Hughes has 4 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. 12 violations remain unresolved.
Is Hughes's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Hughes 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 18 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 Hughes's water compare to other cities?
Hughes ranks #287 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 17% of state cities) and #11650 out of 15744 cities nationally (26th percentile). The grade of C reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.