WaterVerge

Is Huntington, AR Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded B, with 7 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

782 residents served 1 water system PWSID: AR0000508
Overall Score
77.5 / 100
Violations
7 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Purchased surface water
#244 of 345 in Arkansas Top 57% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
BGRADE
Water Quality Grade
77.5/100
waterverge.com
B 77.5/100

Huntington, AR — Water Quality Report

Huntington's drinking water received a grade of B (77.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 782 residents using purchased surface water.

Lead levels were measured at 7.0 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 19 violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Huntington's water

Huntington ranks #244 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.

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, Huntington may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
77.5 out of 100 Grade B
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
36.5/45
B
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
15/20
B
Lead at 7.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
5/10
D
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
4/5
B
Water source: Purchased surface water.
Water Safety

Is Huntington, AR water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Huntington's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (77.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 782 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).

7
Active Violations
7.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
6 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Huntington

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Huntington's water quality assessment. Grade: B (77.5/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.

Disaster
HURRICANE LAURA

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3541). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4441). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM, Revised Total Coliform Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Huntington's water supply.

Lead Elevated
Detected: 7.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

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

Huntington's water system has 19 total violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.

MCLMONTTOtherMR
Most recent violations:
Apr 2021 TTHM Resolved
Apr 2019 TTHM Resolved
Apr 2019 Revised Total Coliform Rule Resolved
Jan 2019 TTHM Resolved
Oct 2018 TTHM Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Sebastian County has experienced 6 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 James Fork Near Hackett.

HURRICANE LAURA
Hurricane FEMA DR-3541
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4441
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-3414

Where does Huntington's water come from?

Huntington's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 782 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include James Fork Near Hackett (river).

What Huntington residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Huntington's water.

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Flush your taps

Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.

Monitor alerts during storms

Huntington'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
7.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 47% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

19
Total violations
8
Health-based
7
Active / unresolved
Apr 2021
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

19 Total
7 Active
8 Health-based
12 Resolved
4 SNC
Violations by category
Surface Water Treatment Rule
5
Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
4
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
4
Consumer Confidence Rule
2
Total Coliform Rule
2
May 2016 Active
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Apr 2016 Active
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Dec 2015 Active
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Nov 2015 Active
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Oct 2012 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2012 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Apr 2021 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
SNC Health Resolved Jun 2021
Apr 2019 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
SNC Health Resolved Jun 2019
Apr 2019 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved Apr 2019
Jan 2019 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
SNC Health Resolved Mar 2019
Oct 2018 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
SNC Health Resolved Dec 2018
Mar 2002 Resolved
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 2002
Apr 1997 Resolved
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Other Violation Resolved Apr 1997
Oct 1996 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Oct 1996
Oct 1996 Resolved
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Oct 1996
Oct 1996 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Other Violation Resolved Oct 1996
Oct 1996 Resolved
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Other Violation Resolved Oct 1996
Sep 1994 Resolved
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Other Violation Resolved Sep 1994
Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

6
Declared disasters
Aug 2020
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Sebastian County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1972. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Aug 2020
HURRICANE LAURA
Hurricane FEMA #3541
Jun 2019
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4441
May 2019
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #3414
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3215
May 1990
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #865
Jan 1972
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #321

Recommended water filters

Based on contaminants detected in Huntington's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.

🚰
For Lead
Reverse Osmosis or NSF 53-Certified Pitcher
Lead detected at 7.0 ppb
Read our guide →

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 7.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has increased by 6.0 ppb from 1993 (1.0 ppb) to 2002 (7.0 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Purchased Surface Water
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
782
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Huntington's water comes from

Purchased Surface Water

Huntington'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 782 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Huntington

Huntington is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.

James Fork Near Hackett
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Huntington

System Name PWSID Population Source
HUNTINGTON WATERWORKS AR0000508 782 SWP
Regional Comparison

How Huntington compares

Full Arkansas rankings →

Huntington's score of 77.5/100 is on par with the average of 75/100 among major Arkansas cities. It outscores 4 of 10 nearby cities. 6 of 10 nearby cities score higher.

Huntington (this city)
77.5
Springdale
79.1
Fort Smith
45.5
Arkansas avg
75
City Profile

About Huntington, AR

Economic Profile
$35,000
Median Income
$48,821
Median Home Value
$874/mo
Median Rent
6.4%
Unemployment
Community
34.3
Median Age
281
People / sq mi
7.8%
College Educated
63.6%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Huntington, AR tap water safe to drink?

Huntington's water quality earned a grade of B (77.5/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #244 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.

What contaminants are in Huntington's water?

Lead was measured at 7.0 ppb (90th percentile). 19 violations are on record.

How is Huntington'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 Huntington?

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 Huntington's water come from?

Huntington's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 782 residents.

What health violations has Huntington's water system had?

Huntington has 8 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2021. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 7 violations remain unresolved.

How does Huntington's water compare to other cities?

Huntington ranks #244 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 29% of state cities) and #8990 out of 15744 cities nationally (43th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Huntington's small water system affect quality?

Huntington's system serves approximately 782 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 19 violations on record.