Is Mount Ida, AR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
42/100
waterverge.com Mount Ida, AR — Water Quality Report
Mount Ida's drinking water received a grade of F (42 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,218 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 154 violations on record, including 127 health-based violations. 19 remain unresolved.
What to know about Mount Ida's water
Mount Ida ranks #334 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.
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, Mount Ida may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 27 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Mount Ida, AR water safe to drink?
Mount Ida's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (42/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,218 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Mount Ida
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Mount Ida's water quality assessment. Grade: F (42/100).
5 health-based. Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4873). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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 Mount Ida'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.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Mount Ida's water system has 154 total violations on record, including 127 health-based violations. 19 remain unresolved. 27 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Montgomery County has experienced 8 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 Ouachita River Near Mount Ida.
Where does Mount Ida's water come from?
Mount Ida's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 3,218 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Ouachita River Near Mount Ida (river).
What Mount Ida residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Mount Ida'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.
Mount Ida'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
D2 — severe droughtMontgomery County is currently in D2 (severe 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
Montgomery County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1969. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Mount Ida'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 |
| 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. | 1.89 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Mount Ida compares by contaminant
Explore where Mount Ida ranks among all Arkansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Mount Ida's water comes from
Mount Ida'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 3,218 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Mount Ida
Mount Ida is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Mount Ida
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MOUNT IDA WATERWORKS | AR0000392 | 3,218 | SWP |
| MONTGOMERY CO REGIONAL PWA | AR0000951 | — | SW |
How Mount Ida compares
Full Arkansas rankings →Mount Ida's score of 42/100 is below the average of 75/100 among major Arkansas cities. 10 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Arkansas rankings →About Mount Ida, AR
Wikipedia →Mount Ida is a city in and the county seat of Montgomery County, Arkansas, United States. Founded in 1842, the city saw a silver boom in the 1880s bring early prosperity and economic development to the area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Mount Ida's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Montgomery
Frequently asked questions
Is Mount Ida, AR tap water safe to drink?
Mount Ida's water quality earned a grade of F (42/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #334 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.
What contaminants are in Mount Ida's water?
Lead was measured at 6.0 ppb (90th percentile). 154 violations are on record.
How is Mount Ida'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 Mount Ida?
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 Mount Ida's water come from?
Mount Ida's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 3,218 residents.
What health violations has Mount Ida's water system had?
Mount Ida has 127 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 19 violations remain unresolved.
How does Mount Ida's water compare to other cities?
Mount Ida ranks #334 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 3% of state cities) and #14890 out of 15744 cities nationally (5th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.