Is Lake City, AR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 24 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
77.9/100
waterverge.com Lake City, AR — Water Quality Report
Lake City's drinking water received a grade of B (77.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,450 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 6.0 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 68 violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 24 remain unresolved.
What to know about Lake City's water
Lake City ranks #240 out of 345 cities in Arkansas for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Lake 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Lake City may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Lake City, AR water safe to drink?
Lake City's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (77.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,450 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Lake City
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Lake City's water quality assessment. Grade: B (77.9/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4873). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper 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 Lake City's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Lake City's water system has 68 total violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 24 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Craighead 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.
Where does Lake City's water come from?
Lake City's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,450 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Lake City residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Lake 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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Lake 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 Lake City
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Lake City, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 57 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ABB INSTALLATION PRODUCTS INC. JONESBORO, AR72401 | Zinc compounds | 57 | 9.6 mi |
FRITO-LAY INC JONESBORO, AR72401 | — | — | 6.2 mi |
GREAT DANE JONESBORO, AR72401 | — | — | 6.8 mi |
NESTLE USA INC. JONESBORO, AR72401 | — | — | 7.3 mi |
CRANE COMPOSITES INC JONESBORO, AR72401 | — | — | 7.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D4 — exceptional droughtCraighead County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 63.9% 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
Craighead 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Lake City's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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. | 6.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Lake City compares by contaminant
Explore where Lake City ranks among all Arkansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Lake City's water comes from
Lake 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 local government ownership and serves approximately 2,450 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Lake City
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LAKE CITY WATERWORKS | AR0000122 | 2,186 | GW |
| BLACK OAK WATERWORKS | AR0000123 | 264 | GW |
How Lake City compares
Full Arkansas rankings →Lake City's score of 77.9/100 is on par with the average of 75/100 among major Arkansas cities. It outscores 4 of 10 nearby cities. 6 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Arkansas rankings →About Lake City, AR
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Lake City's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Craighead
Frequently asked questions
Is Lake City, AR tap water safe to drink?
Lake City's water quality earned a grade of B (77.9/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #240 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.
What contaminants are in Lake City's water?
Lead was measured at 6.0 ppb (90th percentile). 68 violations are on record.
How is Lake 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 Lake City?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Lake City's water come from?
Lake City's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,450 residents.
What health violations has Lake City's water system had?
Lake City has 8 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 24 violations remain unresolved.
Is Lake City's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Lake 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 68 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 Lake City's water compare to other cities?
Lake City ranks #240 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 30% of state cities) and #8854 out of 15744 cities nationally (44th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.