Is Little Rock, MS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
88.8/100
waterverge.com Little Rock, MS — Water Quality Report
Little Rock's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,716 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.9 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 99 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Little Rock's water
Little Rock ranks #23 out of 320 cities in Mississippi for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Little Rock 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.
As a small community water system, Little Rock may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Little Rock, MS water safe to drink?
Little Rock's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (88.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,716 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Little Rock
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Little Rock's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.8/100).
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4626). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3569). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Radium-228, Radium-226.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Little Rock's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Little Rock's water system has 99 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Newton County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1974. 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 Little Rock's water come from?
Little Rock's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,716 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Little Rock residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Little Rock'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.
Little Rock'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
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtNewton County is currently in D2 (severe 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
Newton County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1974. 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. | 0.9 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Little Rock compares by contaminant
Explore where Little Rock ranks among all Mississippi cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Little Rock's water comes from
Little Rock'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 public/private ownership and serves approximately 1,716 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Little Rock
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| DUFFEE WATER ASSOCIATION | MS0510005 | 1,716 | GW |
How Little Rock compares
Full Mississippi rankings →Little Rock's score of 88.8/100 is above the average of 54/100 among major Mississippi cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Mississippi rankings →About Little Rock, MS
Wikipedia →Little Rock, Mississippi is an unincorporated community in Newton County, Mississippi. It lies along Little Rock Creek and Mississippi Highway 494 between Union and Meridian. The elevation is 440 ft (130 m). It was the former site of Beulah Hubbard High School.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Little Rock's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Newton
Frequently asked questions
Is Little Rock, MS tap water safe to drink?
Little Rock's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #23 out of 320 cities tested in Mississippi.
What contaminants are in Little Rock's water?
Lead was measured at 0.9 ppb (90th percentile). 99 violations are on record.
How is Little Rock'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 Little Rock?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Little Rock's water come from?
Little Rock's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,716 residents.
What health violations has Little Rock's water system had?
Little Rock has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Little Rock's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Little Rock 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 99 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 Little Rock's water compare to other cities?
Little Rock ranks #23 out of 320 cities in Mississippi (better than 93% of state cities) and #3246 out of 15744 cities nationally (79th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Little Rock's small water system affect quality?
Little Rock's system serves approximately 1,716 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 99 violations on record.