Is Lowell, AR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 10 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
86.9/100
waterverge.com Lowell, AR — Water Quality Report
Lowell's drinking water received a grade of A- (86.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,502 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 2.0 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 32 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved.
What to know about Lowell's water
Lowell ranks #148 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, Lowell may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Lowell, AR water safe to drink?
Lowell's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (86.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,502 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Lowell
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Lowell's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.9/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3541). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3215). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Lowell's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Lowell's water system has 32 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Benton 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 Mud Creek Near Johnson, Osage Creek Near Cave Springs.
Where does Lowell's water come from?
Lowell's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 2,502 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Mud Creek Near Johnson (river), Osage Creek Near Cave Springs (river).
What Lowell residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Lowell'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.
Lowell'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 Lowell
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Lowell, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 392 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
OZARK MOUNTAIN POULTRY INC ROGERS, AR72756 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 192 | 6.6 mi |
MOISTURESHIELD INC. SPRINGDALE, AR72764 | Zinc compounds | 181 | 4.7 mi |
BEKAERT CORP ROGERS, AR72756 | Zinc compounds | 20 | 6.7 mi |
STANDARD MATERIALS GROUP INC.-CENTERTON BENTONVILLE, AR72712 | — | — | 9.0 mi |
STANDARD MATERIALS GROUP INC.- PORTABLE RM 5036 BENTONVILLE, AR72712 | — | — | 9.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtBenton County is currently in D1 (moderate 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
Benton 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. | 2.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Lowell compares by contaminant
Explore where Lowell ranks among all Arkansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Lowell's water comes from
Lowell'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 2,502 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Lowell
Lowell 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 Lowell
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BENTON COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY5 | AR0000913 | 1,813 | SWP |
| BENTON COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY4 | AR0000899 | 635 | SWP |
| BEAVER WATER DISTRICT | AR0000038 | 54 | SW |
How Lowell compares
Full Arkansas rankings →Lowell's score of 86.9/100 is above the average of 75/100 among major Arkansas cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Arkansas rankings →About Lowell, AR
Wikipedia →Lowell is a city in Benton County, Arkansas, United States. Located within the Ozarks, the first settlement was along Old Wire Road in the 1840s, and although destroyed during the Civil War, the community was reestablished by J. R. McClure and thrived when the St. Louis–San Francisco Railway came through the area in the 1880s. The city is a growing bedroom community within the rapidly growing Northwest Arkansas region. Lowell is the headquarters of trucking company J.B. Hunt. Lowell's population was 9,839 at the 2020 census, an increase of 34% since 2010.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Lowell's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Benton
Frequently asked questions
Is Lowell, AR tap water safe to drink?
Lowell's water quality earned a grade of A- (86.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #148 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.
What contaminants are in Lowell's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 32 violations are on record.
How is Lowell'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 Lowell?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Lowell's water come from?
Lowell's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 2,502 residents.
What health violations has Lowell's water system had?
Lowell has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in February 2018. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 10 violations remain unresolved.
How does Lowell's water compare to other cities?
Lowell ranks #148 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 57% of state cities) and #4384 out of 15744 cities nationally (72th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.