Is Jasper, AR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C- — but Lead was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
57.3/100
waterverge.com Jasper, AR — Water Quality Report
Jasper's drinking water received a grade of C- (57.3 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,523 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 23.0 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 106 violations on record, including 47 health-based violations. 21 remain unresolved.
What to know about Jasper's water
Jasper ranks #305 out of 345 cities in Arkansas for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated 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.
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, Jasper may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 11 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Jasper, AR water safe to drink?
Jasper's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C- (57.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,523 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Jasper
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Jasper's water quality assessment. Grade: C- (57.3/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4873). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
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 Jasper's water supply.
Exceeds EPA action level. Lead service line replacement and point-of-use filtration recommended.
Violation history
Jasper's water system has 106 total violations on record, including 47 health-based violations. 21 remain unresolved. 11 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Newton 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. Local water sources include Buffalo River At Pruitt, Buffalo River At Carver Access Nr Hasty.
Where does Jasper's water come from?
Jasper's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,523 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Buffalo River At Pruitt (river), Buffalo River At Carver Access Nr Hasty (river).
What Jasper residents can do
Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Jasper'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.
Jasper'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 droughtNewton 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
Newton 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 Jasper'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. | 23.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Jasper compares by contaminant
Explore where Jasper ranks among all Arkansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Jasper's water comes from
Jasper'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 1,523 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Jasper
Jasper is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Jasper
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MOCKINGBIRD HILL WATER ASSOC | AR0000042 | 875 | SWP |
| JASPER WATERWORKS | AR0000397 | 648 | SWP |
How Jasper compares
Full Arkansas rankings →Jasper's score of 57.3/100 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 Jasper, AR
Wikipedia →Jasper is a city in and the county seat of Newton County, Arkansas, United States. According to the 2020 census, its population is 547.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Jasper's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Newton
Frequently asked questions
Is Jasper, AR tap water safe to drink?
Jasper's water quality earned a grade of C- (57.3/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #305 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.
What contaminants are in Jasper's water?
Lead was measured at 23.0 ppb (90th percentile). 106 violations are on record.
How is Jasper'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 Jasper?
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 Jasper's water come from?
Jasper's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,523 residents.
What health violations has Jasper's water system had?
Jasper has 47 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 21 violations remain unresolved.
How does Jasper's water compare to other cities?
Jasper ranks #305 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 12% of state cities) and #12381 out of 15744 cities nationally (21th percentile). The grade of C- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.