Is Kirby, AR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
89.2/100
waterverge.com Kirby, AR — Water Quality Report
Kirby's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,932 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 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 12 violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Kirby's water
Kirby ranks #108 out of 345 cities in Arkansas for water quality, placing it mid-range 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, Kirby may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Kirby, AR water safe to drink?
Kirby's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (89.2/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,932 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Kirby
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Kirby's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.2/100).
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: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3541). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Kirby's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Kirby's water system has 12 total violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Pike County has experienced 7 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 Caddo River Near Caddo Gap.
Where does Kirby's water come from?
Kirby's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,932 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Caddo River Near Caddo Gap (river).
What Kirby residents can do
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.
Kirby'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 Kirby
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Kirby, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
GREAT SOUTHERN WOOD - GLENWOOD INC. GLENWOOD, AR71943 | — | — | 7.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtPike 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
Pike County has experienced 7 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. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Kirby compares by contaminant
Explore where Kirby ranks among all Arkansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Kirby's water comes from
Kirby'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 private ownership and serves approximately 1,932 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Kirby
Kirby 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 Kirby
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NORTH PIKE CO RURAL WATER ASSN | AR0000826 | 1,932 | SWP |
How Kirby compares
Full Arkansas rankings →Kirby's score of 89.2/100 is above the average of 75/100 among major Arkansas cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Arkansas rankings →About Kirby, AR
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Kirby's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Pike
Frequently asked questions
Is Kirby, AR tap water safe to drink?
Kirby's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #108 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.
What contaminants are in Kirby's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 12 violations are on record.
How is Kirby'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 Kirby?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Kirby's water come from?
Kirby's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,932 residents.
What health violations has Kirby's water system had?
Kirby has 9 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
How does Kirby's water compare to other cities?
Kirby ranks #108 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 69% of state cities) and #2976 out of 15744 cities nationally (81th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Kirby's small water system affect quality?
Kirby's system serves approximately 1,932 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 12 violations on record.