Is London, 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 ↓
90.3/100
waterverge.com London, AR — Water Quality Report
London's drinking water received a grade of A (90.3 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,363 residents using purchased surface water.
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 5 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about London's water
London ranks #90 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.
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, London may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is London, AR water safe to drink?
London's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (90.3/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,363 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for London
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into London's water quality assessment. Grade: A (90.3/100).
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: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for London'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
London's water system has 5 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Pope County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1990. 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 Piney Creek Near Lamar, Arkansas River At Dardanelle.
Where does London's water come from?
London's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,363 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Little Piney Creek Near Lamar (river), Arkansas River At Dardanelle (river).
What London 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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
London'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 London
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near London, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 244,441 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
TYSON POULTRY INC. DARDANELLE, AR72834 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 244,379 | 8.9 mi |
FIRESTONE TUBE CO RUSSELLVILLE, AR72801 | Zinc compounds | 40 | 8.6 mi |
TABER EXTRUSIONS LLC RUSSELLVILLE, AR72802 | Zinc compounds | 14 | 8.9 mi |
HACKNEY LADISH INC RUSSELLVILLE, AR72802 | Manganese | 7 | 8.8 mi |
JW ALUMINUM RUSSELLVILLE OPERATIONS RUSSELLVILLE, AR72802 | Copper | 1 | 9.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtPope 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
Pope County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1990. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in London'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 London compares by contaminant
Explore where London ranks among all Arkansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where London's water comes from
London'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 1,363 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near London
London 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 London
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LONDON WATERWORKS | AR0000443 | 1,363 | SWP |
How London compares
Full Arkansas rankings →London's score of 90.3/100 is above the average of 75/100 among major Arkansas cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Arkansas rankings →About London, AR
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to London's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Pope
Frequently asked questions
Is London, AR tap water safe to drink?
London's water quality earned a grade of A (90.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #90 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.
What contaminants are in London's water?
Lead was measured at 6.0 ppb (90th percentile). 5 violations are on record.
How is London'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 London?
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 London's water come from?
London's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,363 residents.
What health violations has London's water system had?
London has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2017. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
How does London's water compare to other cities?
London ranks #90 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 74% of state cities) and #2308 out of 15744 cities nationally (85th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does London's small water system affect quality?
London's system serves approximately 1,363 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 5 violations on record.