Is Junction City, AR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 34 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
48.5/100
waterverge.com Junction City, AR — Water Quality Report
Junction City's drinking water received a grade of D (48.5 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 3,308 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 131 violations on record, including 53 health-based violations. 34 remain unresolved.
What to know about Junction City's water
Junction City ranks #317 out of 345 cities in Arkansas for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Junction City 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.
The system has seen 13 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Junction City, AR water safe to drink?
Junction City's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (48.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 3,308 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Junction City
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Junction City's water quality assessment. Grade: D (48.5/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3541). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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 Junction City's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Junction City's water system has 131 total violations on record, including 53 health-based violations. 34 remain unresolved. 13 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Union County has experienced 8 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 Little Corney Bayou Near Lillie.
Where does Junction City's water come from?
Junction City's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 5 water systems serving approximately 3,308 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Little Corney Bayou Near Lillie (river).
What Junction City residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Junction City'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.
Junction City'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Junction City
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Junction City, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CHEMOURS EL DORADO EL DORADO, AR71730 | — | — | 7.0 mi |
LANXESS - SOUTH PLANT EL DORADO, AR71730 | — | — | 7.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtUnion 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
Union County has experienced 8 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Junction City compares by contaminant
Explore where Junction City ranks among all Arkansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Junction City's water comes from
Junction City'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 private ownership and serves approximately 3,308 people through 5 water systems.
Water bodies near Junction City
Junction City is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Junction City
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEW HOPE WATER ASSOCIATION | AR0000683 | 1,136 | GW |
| JUNCTION CITY WATERWORKS | AR0000552 | 726 | GW |
| JUNCTION CITY WATER SYSTEM | LA1111009 | 708 | GW |
| WARD NINE WATER SYSTEM | LA1027013 | 489 | GW |
| RANDOLPH WATER SYSTEM | LA1111018 | 249 | GW |
How Junction City compares
Full Arkansas rankings →Junction City's score of 48.5/100 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 Junction City, AR
Wikipedia →Junction City is a city in Union County, Arkansas, United States, and is the twin city of neighboring Junction City, Louisiana. As of the 2020 census, Junction City had a population of 503.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Junction City's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Union
Frequently asked questions
Is Junction City, AR tap water safe to drink?
Junction City's water quality earned a grade of D (48.5/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #317 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.
What contaminants are in Junction City's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 131 violations are on record.
How is Junction City'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 Junction City?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Junction City's water come from?
Junction City's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 5 water systems serving approximately 3,308 residents.
What health violations has Junction City's water system had?
Junction City has 53 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 34 violations remain unresolved.
Is Junction City's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Junction City 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 131 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 Junction City's water compare to other cities?
Junction City ranks #317 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 8% of state cities) and #13451 out of 15744 cities nationally (15th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.