Is Mccrae, AR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
77.9/100
waterverge.com Mccrae, AR — Water Quality Report
Mccrae's drinking water received a grade of B (77.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 870 residents using purchased surface water.
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 23 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved.
What to know about Mccrae's water
Mccrae ranks #241 out of 345 cities in Arkansas for water quality, placing it below average 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, Mccrae may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Mccrae, AR water safe to drink?
Mccrae's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (77.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 870 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Mccrae
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Mccrae's water quality assessment. Grade: B (77.9/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Mccrae's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Mccrae's water system has 23 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Mccrae's water come from?
Mccrae's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 870 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Mccrae residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Mccrae'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
D4 — exceptional droughtWhite County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 12.1% 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Mccrae'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. | 3.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.46 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Mccrae compares by contaminant
Explore where Mccrae ranks among all Arkansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Mccrae's water comes from
Mccrae'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 870 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Mccrae
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MC RAE WATERWORKS | AR0000589 | 870 | SWP |
How Mccrae compares
Full Arkansas rankings →Mccrae's score of 77.9/100 is on par with the average of 75/100 among major Arkansas cities. It outscores 4 of 10 nearby cities. 6 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Arkansas rankings →About Mccrae, AR
Wikipedia →Lonesome Dove is a 1985 epic Western novel by American writer Larry McMurtry. It is the first published book of the Lonesome Dove series and the third installment in the series chronologically. It was a bestseller and won the 1986 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. In 1989, it was adapted as a TV miniseries starring Tommy Lee Jones and Robert Duvall, which won both critical and popular acclaim. McMurtry went on to write a sequel, Streets of Laredo (1993), and two prequels, Dead Man's Walk (1995) and Comanche Moon (1997), all of which were also adapted as TV series.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Mccrae's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across White
Frequently asked questions
Is Mccrae, AR tap water safe to drink?
Mccrae's water quality earned a grade of B (77.9/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #241 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.
What contaminants are in Mccrae's water?
Lead was measured at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile). 23 violations are on record.
How is Mccrae'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 Mccrae?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Mccrae's water come from?
Mccrae's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 870 residents.
What health violations has Mccrae's water system had?
Mccrae has 6 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in May 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 11 violations remain unresolved.
How does Mccrae's water compare to other cities?
Mccrae ranks #241 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 30% of state cities) and #8864 out of 15744 cities nationally (44th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Mccrae's small water system affect quality?
Mccrae's system serves approximately 870 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 23 violations on record.