Is Kensett, AR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 8 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
81.3/100
waterverge.com Kensett, AR — Water Quality Report
Kensett's drinking water received a grade of B+ (81.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,624 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead data is not currently available for this system. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 14 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved.
What to know about Kensett's water
Kensett ranks #215 out of 345 cities in Arkansas for water quality, placing it below average 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.
As a small community water system, Kensett may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Kensett, AR water safe to drink?
Kensett's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (81.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,624 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Kensett
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Kensett's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (81.3/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4873). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3541). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Violation history
Kensett's water system has 14 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
White County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1975. 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 Red River At Judsonia.
Where does Kensett's water come from?
Kensett's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,624 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Little Red River At Judsonia (river).
What Kensett residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Kensett'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.
Kensett'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.
Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Kensett
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Kensett, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 100 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
MATTHEWS INTERNATIONAL CORP SEARCY, AR72143 | Zinc compounds | 100 | 3.3 mi |
BRYCE CO LLC SEARCY, AR72143 | — | — | 2.5 mi |
DANFOSS POWER SOLUTIONS II LLC - SEARCY PLANT SEARCY, AR72143 | — | — | 3.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D4 — exceptional droughtWhite County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 12.1% 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
White County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1975. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Full contaminants report
No contaminant data available for this city.
See how Kensett compares by contaminant
Explore where Kensett ranks among all Arkansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Kensett's water comes from
Kensett'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 1,624 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Kensett
Kensett is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Kensett
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| KENSETT WATERWORKS | AR0000588 | 1,624 | SWP |
How Kensett compares
Full Arkansas rankings →Kensett's score of 81.3/100 is above the average of 75/100 among major Arkansas cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Arkansas rankings →About Kensett, AR
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Kensett's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across White
Frequently asked questions
Is Kensett, AR tap water safe to drink?
Kensett's water quality earned a grade of B+ (81.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #215 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.
What contaminants are in Kensett's water?
14 violations are on record.
How is Kensett'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 Kensett?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Kensett's water come from?
Kensett's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,624 residents.
How does Kensett's water compare to other cities?
Kensett ranks #215 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 38% of state cities) and #7514 out of 15744 cities nationally (52th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Kensett's small water system affect quality?
Kensett's system serves approximately 1,624 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 14 violations on record.