Is Mc Neil, AR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 6 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
90/100
waterverge.com Mc Neil, AR — Water Quality Report
Mc Neil's drinking water received a grade of A (90 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,415 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.0 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 14 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about Mc Neil's water
Mc Neil ranks #94 out of 345 cities in Arkansas for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Mc Neil 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, Mc Neil may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Mc Neil, AR water safe to drink?
Mc Neil's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A (90/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,415 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Mc Neil
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Mc Neil's water quality assessment. Grade: A (90/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Mc Neil's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Mc Neil's water system has 32 total violations on record, including 14 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
Where does Mc Neil's water come from?
Mc Neil's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,415 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Mc Neil residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Mc Neil'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.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtColumbia 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.
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. | 3.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Mc Neil compares by contaminant
Explore where Mc Neil ranks among all Arkansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Mc Neil's water comes from
Mc Neil'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 private ownership and serves approximately 1,415 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Mc Neil
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MC NEIL RURAL WATER ASSOC | AR0000705 | 900 | GW |
| MC NEIL WATERWORKS | AR0000110 | 515 | GW |
How Mc Neil compares
Full Arkansas rankings →Mc Neil's score of 90/100 is above the average of 75/100 among major Arkansas cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Arkansas rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Mc Neil's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Columbia
Frequently asked questions
Is Mc Neil, AR tap water safe to drink?
Mc Neil's water quality earned a grade of A (90/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #94 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.
What contaminants are in Mc Neil's water?
Lead was measured at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile). 32 violations are on record.
How is Mc Neil'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 Mc Neil?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Mc Neil's water come from?
Mc Neil's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,415 residents.
What health violations has Mc Neil's water system had?
Mc Neil has 14 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. 6 violations remain unresolved.
Is Mc Neil's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Mc Neil 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 32 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 Mc Neil's water compare to other cities?
Mc Neil ranks #94 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 73% of state cities) and #2478 out of 15744 cities nationally (84th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.