Is New Edinburgh, AR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
80.9/100
waterverge.com New Edinburgh, AR — Water Quality Report
New Edinburgh's drinking water received a grade of B+ (80.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,825 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 7.0 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 2 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about New Edinburgh's water
New Edinburgh ranks #223 out of 345 cities in Arkansas for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
New Edinburgh 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.
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, New Edinburgh may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is New Edinburgh, AR water safe to drink?
New Edinburgh's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of B+ (80.9/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,825 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for New Edinburgh
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into New Edinburgh's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (80.9/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for New Edinburgh'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.
Violation history
New Edinburgh's water system has 2 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Where does New Edinburgh's water come from?
New Edinburgh's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,825 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What New Edinburgh residents can do
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.
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 droughtCleveland County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 16.9% 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 New Edinburgh'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. | 7.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how New Edinburgh compares by contaminant
Explore where New Edinburgh ranks among all Arkansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where New Edinburgh's water comes from
New Edinburgh'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 local government ownership and serves approximately 1,825 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving New Edinburgh
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WEST SALINE WATER USERS ASSN | AR0000682 | 1,825 | GW |
How New Edinburgh compares
Full Arkansas rankings →New Edinburgh's score of 80.9/100 is above the average of 75/100 among major Arkansas cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Arkansas rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to New Edinburgh's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Cleveland
Frequently asked questions
Is New Edinburgh, AR tap water safe to drink?
New Edinburgh's water quality earned a grade of B+ (80.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #223 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.
What contaminants are in New Edinburgh's water?
Lead was measured at 7.0 ppb (90th percentile). 2 violations are on record.
How is New Edinburgh'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 New Edinburgh?
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 New Edinburgh's water come from?
New Edinburgh's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,825 residents.
Is New Edinburgh's groundwater at risk of contamination?
New Edinburgh 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 2 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 New Edinburgh's water compare to other cities?
New Edinburgh ranks #223 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 35% of state cities) and #7669 out of 15744 cities nationally (51th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does New Edinburgh's small water system affect quality?
New Edinburgh's system serves approximately 1,825 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 2 violations on record.