Is Jefferson, AR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
83.5/100
waterverge.com Jefferson, AR — Water Quality Report
Jefferson's drinking water received a grade of B+ (83.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,551 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.0 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 10 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Jefferson's water
Jefferson ranks #198 out of 345 cities in Arkansas for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Jefferson 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, Jefferson may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Jefferson, AR water safe to drink?
Jefferson's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (83.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,551 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Jefferson
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Jefferson's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (83.5/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3541). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4441). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: E. COLI.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Jefferson's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Jefferson's water system has 10 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Jefferson County has experienced 9 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 Jefferson's water come from?
Jefferson's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,551 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Jefferson residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Jefferson'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.
Jefferson'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 droughtJefferson 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
Jefferson County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 1973. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Jefferson'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. | 2.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| 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. | 1.57 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Jefferson compares by contaminant
Explore where Jefferson ranks among all Arkansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Jefferson's water comes from
Jefferson'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 2,551 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Jefferson
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| JEFFERSON PUBLIC WATER AUTHORITY | AR0000276 | 2,551 | GW |
How Jefferson compares
Full Arkansas rankings →Jefferson's score of 83.5/100 is above the average of 75/100 among major Arkansas cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Arkansas rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Jefferson's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Jefferson
Frequently asked questions
Is Jefferson, AR tap water safe to drink?
Jefferson's water quality earned a grade of B+ (83.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #198 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.
What contaminants are in Jefferson's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 10 violations are on record.
How is Jefferson'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 Jefferson?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Jefferson's water come from?
Jefferson's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,551 residents.
What health violations has Jefferson's water system had?
Jefferson has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 2017. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 5 violations remain unresolved.
Is Jefferson's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Jefferson 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 10 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 Jefferson's water compare to other cities?
Jefferson ranks #198 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 43% of state cities) and #6399 out of 15744 cities nationally (59th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Jefferson's small water system affect quality?
Jefferson's system serves approximately 2,551 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 10 violations on record.