Is Jordan, AR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
81.8/100
waterverge.com Jordan, AR — Water Quality Report
Jordan's drinking water received a grade of B+ (81.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,332 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 6 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Jordan's water
Jordan ranks #211 out of 345 cities in Arkansas for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Jordan 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, Jordan may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Jordan, AR water safe to drink?
Jordan's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (81.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,332 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Jordan
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Jordan's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (81.8/100).
2 health-based. Contaminants: Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3541). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3215). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Jordan's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Jordan's water system has 10 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Baxter County has experienced 4 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 White River Near Norfork, Big Creek Near Elizabeth, North Fork Riv Us Of Dry Ck Bl Norfork Dam, White River At Calico Rock.
Where does Jordan's water come from?
Jordan's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,332 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include White River Near Norfork (river), Big Creek Near Elizabeth (river), North Fork Riv Us Of Dry Ck Bl Norfork Dam (river), White River At Calico Rock (river).
What Jordan residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Jordan'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.
Jordan'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
D4 — exceptional droughtBaxter County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 28.8% 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
Baxter County has experienced 4 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. | 2.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Jordan compares by contaminant
Explore where Jordan ranks among all Arkansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Jordan's water comes from
Jordan'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 1,332 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Jordan
Jordan is located near 4 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Jordan
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BRUNNER HILL WATER ASSOC | AR0000837 | 1,265 | GW |
| STARLIGHT ESTATES | AR0000755 | 67 | GW |
How Jordan compares
Full Arkansas rankings →Jordan's score of 81.8/100 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 Jordan's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Baxter
Frequently asked questions
Is Jordan, AR tap water safe to drink?
Jordan's water quality earned a grade of B+ (81.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #211 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.
What contaminants are in Jordan's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 10 violations are on record.
How is Jordan'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 Jordan?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Jordan's water come from?
Jordan's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,332 residents.
What health violations has Jordan's water system had?
Jordan has 6 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Jordan's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Jordan 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 Jordan's water compare to other cities?
Jordan ranks #211 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 39% of state cities) and #7314 out of 15744 cities nationally (54th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.