Is Knoxville, 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 ↓
89.6/100
waterverge.com Knoxville, AR — Water Quality Report
Knoxville's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,087 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 3 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Knoxville's water
Knoxville ranks #100 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, Knoxville may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Knoxville, AR water safe to drink?
Knoxville's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (89.6/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,087 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Knoxville
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Knoxville's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.6/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3541). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4441). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Knoxville's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Knoxville's water system has 3 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Johnson County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1972. 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 Spadra Creek At Clarksville, Little Piney Creek Near Lamar.
Where does Knoxville's water come from?
Knoxville's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,087 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Spadra Creek At Clarksville (river), Little Piney Creek Near Lamar (river).
What Knoxville 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.
Knoxville'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 Knoxville
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Knoxville, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
GREENVILLE TUBE CO LLC CLARKSVILLE, AR72830 | — | — | 8.8 mi |
TYSON POULTRY INC- SPADRA FEED MILL CLARKSVILLE, AR72830 | — | — | 8.5 mi |
TYSON POULTRY INC. CLARKSVILLE, AR72830 | — | — | 8.4 mi |
THE PICTSWEET CO - CLARKSVILLE AR PLANT CLARKSVILLE, AR72830 | — | — | 7.4 mi |
K2 MARINE INC KNOXVILLE, AR72845 | — | — | 0.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtJohnson 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
Johnson County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1972. 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 Knoxville compares by contaminant
Explore where Knoxville ranks among all Arkansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Knoxville's water comes from
Knoxville'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 2,087 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Knoxville
Knoxville is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Knoxville
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| KNOXVILLE WATERWORKS | AR0000287 | 2,087 | SWP |
How Knoxville compares
Full Arkansas rankings →Knoxville's score of 89.6/100 is above the average of 75/100 among major Arkansas cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Arkansas rankings →About Knoxville, AR
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Knoxville's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Johnson
Frequently asked questions
Is Knoxville, AR tap water safe to drink?
Knoxville's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #100 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.
What contaminants are in Knoxville's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 3 violations are on record.
How is Knoxville'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 Knoxville?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Knoxville's water come from?
Knoxville's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,087 residents.
How does Knoxville's water compare to other cities?
Knoxville ranks #100 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 71% of state cities) and #2713 out of 15744 cities nationally (83th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Knoxville's small water system affect quality?
Knoxville's system serves approximately 2,087 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 3 violations on record.