WaterVerge

Is Keiser, 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 ↓

810 residents served 1 water system PWSID: AR0000373
Overall Score
62.8 / 100
Violations
12 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#291 of 345 in Arkansas Top 75% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
CGRADE
Water Quality Grade
62.8/100
waterverge.com
C 62.8/100

Keiser, AR — Water Quality Report

Keiser's drinking water received a grade of C (62.8 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 810 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 47.0 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 23 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved.

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

What to know about Keiser's water

Keiser ranks #291 out of 345 cities in Arkansas for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.

Keiser 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.

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

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
62.8 out of 100 Grade C
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
36.8/45
B
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
1/20
F
Lead at 47.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
3/10
F
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Keiser, AR water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Keiser's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C (62.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 810 residents using groundwater (wells).

12
Active Violations
47.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
5 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Keiser

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

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Keiser's water quality assessment. Grade: C (62.8/100).

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES, AND FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4873). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule.

Disaster
HURRICANE LAURA

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

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Public Notice.

Key contaminant findings

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

Lead Exceeds Limit
Detected: 47.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Exceeds EPA action level. Lead service line replacement and point-of-use filtration recommended.

Violation history

Keiser's water system has 23 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.

TTOtherMONRPTMCLMR
Most recent violations:
Oct 2023 Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule Open
Oct 2019 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Jul 2019 Public Notice Open
Jun 2019 Public Notice Open
May 2019 Public Notice Open

Flood & environmental risk

Mississippi County has experienced 5 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.

SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4873
HURRICANE LAURA
Hurricane FEMA DR-3541
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA DR-3215

Where does Keiser's water come from?

Keiser's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 810 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.

What Keiser residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Keiser'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

Keiser'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
Over Limit
47.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · +20% over limit
Exceeds LimitFilter: NSF-53
Compliance Record

Violation summary

23
Total violations
4
Health-based
12
Active / unresolved
Oct 2023
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

23 Total
12 Active
4 Health-based
11 Resolved
Violations by category
Total Coliform Rule
9
Revised Total Coliform Rule
5
Consumer Confidence Rule
3
Public Notice Rule and Revised PN Rule
3
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
1
Oct 2023 Active
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Oct 2019 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2019 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jun 2019 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
May 2019 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jul 2018 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
May 2018 Active
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Reporting
Reporting 0
Apr 2018 Active
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Reporting
Reporting 0
Mar 2018 Active
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Reporting
Reporting 0
Sep 2017 Active
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Reporting
Reporting 0
Jan 2012 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Jun 2018 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved Jun 2018
Dec 2012 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Dec 2012
Sep 2009 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2009
Jul 2009 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Jul 2009
Jan 2009 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jan 2009
Dec 2008 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2008
Oct 2006 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Oct 2006
Jun 2002 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Jun 2002
Showing 20 of 23 violations
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Keiser

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Keiser, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

Total reported releases to surface water: 24,230 lbs

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
VISKASE COS INC
Plastics and Rubber · VISKASE COS INC
OSCEOLA, AR72370
Ammonia23,4748.9 mi
ACTAGRO LLC
Chemicals · NUTRIEN US TOPCO LLC
OSCEOLA, AR72370
Ammonia5006.2 mi
BIG RIVER STEEL LLC
Primary Metals · US STEEL CORP
OSCEOLA, AR72370
Zinc compounds1448.4 mi
PLUM POINT ENERGY STATION
Electric Utilities · PLUM POINT ENERGY ASSOCIATES LLC
OSCEOLA, AR72370
Barium And Barium Compounds1127.6 mi
ROEHM AMERICA LLC
Plastics and Rubber · ROEHM US HOLDING LLC
OSCEOLA, AR72370
6.4 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D3 — extreme drought

Mississippi 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.

14
Weeks at D2+ (current streak)
10.7%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
14
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

5
Declared disasters
May 2025
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Mississippi County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1973. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

May 2025
SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4873
Aug 2020
HURRICANE LAURA
Hurricane FEMA #3541
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3215
Dec 1987
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #807
Apr 1973
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #375

Recommended water filters

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

🚰
For Lead
Reverse Osmosis or NSF 53-Certified Pitcher
Lead level (47.0 ppb) exceeds the EPA action level of 15 ppb
Read our guide →

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 47.0 15 ppb Inorganic Over Limit
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has increased by 42.0 ppb from 1993 (5.0 ppb) to 2014 (47.0 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
810
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Keiser's water comes from

Groundwater

Keiser'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 810 people through 1 water system.

Infrastructure

Water systems serving Keiser

System Name PWSID Population Source
KEISER WATERWORKS AR0000373 810 GW
Regional Comparison

How Keiser compares

Full Arkansas rankings →

Keiser's score of 62.8/100 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.

Keiser (this city)
62.8
Springdale
79.1
Fort Smith
45.5
Arkansas avg
75
City Profile

About Keiser, AR

Economic Profile
$50,136
Median Income
$761/mo
Median Rent
12.7%
Unemployment
Community
41.6
Median Age
410
People / sq mi
10.4%
College Educated
64.3%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Keiser, AR tap water safe to drink?

Keiser's water quality earned a grade of C (62.8/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #291 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.

What contaminants are in Keiser's water?

Lead was measured at 47.0 ppb (90th percentile). 23 violations are on record.

How is Keiser'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 Keiser?

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 Keiser's water come from?

Keiser's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 810 residents.

What health violations has Keiser's water system had?

Keiser has 4 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. 12 violations remain unresolved.

Is Keiser's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Keiser 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 23 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 Keiser's water compare to other cities?

Keiser ranks #291 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 16% of state cities) and #11843 out of 15744 cities nationally (25th percentile). The grade of C reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Keiser's small water system affect quality?

Keiser's system serves approximately 810 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 23 violations on record.