Is Marshall, AR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 22 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
46/100
waterverge.com Marshall, AR — Water Quality Report
Marshall's drinking water received a grade of D (46 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 5,561 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 5.0 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 307 violations on record, including 250 health-based violations. 22 remain unresolved.
What to know about Marshall's water
Marshall ranks #322 out of 345 cities in Arkansas for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated 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.
The system has seen 13 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Marshall, AR water safe to drink?
Marshall's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (46/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 5,561 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Marshall
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Marshall's water quality assessment. Grade: D (46/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4873). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
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 Marshall's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Marshall's water system has 307 total violations on record, including 250 health-based violations. 22 remain unresolved. 13 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Searcy County has experienced 6 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 Buffalo River Near St. Joe, Bear Creek Near Silver Hill.
Where does Marshall's water come from?
Marshall's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 5,561 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Buffalo River Near St. Joe (river), Bear Creek Near Silver Hill (river).
What Marshall residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Marshall'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.
Marshall'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
D4 — exceptional droughtSearcy County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 52.3% 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
Searcy County has experienced 6 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. | 5.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Marshall compares by contaminant
Explore where Marshall ranks among all Arkansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Marshall's water comes from
Marshall'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 5,561 people through 4 water systems.
Water bodies near Marshall
Marshall 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 Marshall
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MARSHALL WATERWORKS | AR0000501 | 2,550 | SWP |
| MORNING STAR PUBLIC WATER AUTHORITY | AR0000681 | 1,543 | SWP |
| SOUTH MOUNTAIN WATER ASSN | AR0000815 | 948 | SWP |
| SDM WATER ASSOCIATION | AR0000758 | 520 | SWP |
How Marshall compares
Full Arkansas rankings →Marshall's score of 46/100 is below the average of 75/100 among major Arkansas cities. It outscores 1 of 10 nearby cities. 9 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Arkansas rankings →About Marshall, AR
Wikipedia →Marshall is the largest city in and the county seat of Searcy County in Arkansas, United States. As of the 2020 census, Marshall had a population of 1,329. It is located in the Ozarks at the foot of the Boston Mountain Range 10.5 mi (16.9 km) south of America's first National River, the Buffalo National River. Marshall serves as a hub for area tourism including camping, floating, hiking, bicycling and Dark Sky viewing.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Marshall's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Searcy
Frequently asked questions
Is Marshall, AR tap water safe to drink?
Marshall's water quality earned a grade of D (46/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #322 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.
What contaminants are in Marshall's water?
Lead was measured at 5.0 ppb (90th percentile). 307 violations are on record.
How is Marshall'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 Marshall?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Marshall's water come from?
Marshall's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 5,561 residents.
What health violations has Marshall's water system had?
Marshall has 250 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2022. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 22 violations remain unresolved.
How does Marshall's water compare to other cities?
Marshall ranks #322 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 7% of state cities) and #13948 out of 15744 cities nationally (11th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.