Is North Little Rock, AR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A with no contaminants above EPA limits. Here's everything we tested and how North Little Rock ranks. What to do next ↓
92.7/100
waterverge.com North Little Rock, AR — Water Quality Report
North Little Rock's drinking water received a grade of A (92.7 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,500 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 2 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
What to know about North Little Rock's water
North Little Rock ranks #52 out of 345 cities in Arkansas for water quality, placing it above 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, North Little Rock may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is North Little Rock, AR water safe to drink?
Based on EPA testing data, North Little Rock's tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of A (92.7/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,500 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for North Little Rock
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into North Little Rock's water quality assessment. Grade: A (92.7/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4873). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3541). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for North Little Rock's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
North Little Rock's water system has 2 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Pulaski County has experienced 10 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 Arkansas River At Murray Dam Near Little Rock, Arkansas River At Little Rock, Fourche Creek At Univ. Avenue At Little Rock, Rock Creek At 36Th Street At Little Rock, Fourche Creek At Lindsey St. E Of Little Rock.
Where does North Little Rock's water come from?
North Little Rock's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,500 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Arkansas River At Murray Dam Near Little Rock (river), Arkansas River At Little Rock (river), Fourche Creek At Univ. Avenue At Little Rock (river), Rock Creek At 36Th Street At Little Rock (river), Fourche Creek At Lindsey St. E Of Little Rock (river).
What North Little Rock 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.
North Little Rock'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of North Little Rock
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near North Little Rock, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 844 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
3M CO - LITTLE ROCK LITTLE ROCK, AR72206 | Copper compounds | 549 | 5.3 mi |
EVONIK CORP LITTLE ROCK, AR72206 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 287 | 9.7 mi |
FIBER GLASS SYSTEMS LITTLE ROCK, AR72209 | 4,4'-Methylenedianiline | 5 | 7.6 mi |
LANXESS CORP LITTLE ROCK, AR72209 | Zinc compounds | 3 | 7.4 mi |
KOPPERS INC. (NORTH LITTLE ROCK AR) NORTH LITTLE ROCK, AR72117 | Polycyclic aromatic compounds | 0 | 1.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of North Little Rock
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- VERTAC INC8.9 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtPulaski 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.
Flood & disaster history
Pulaski County has experienced 10 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 North Little Rock compares by contaminant
Explore where North Little Rock ranks among all Arkansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where North Little Rock's water comes from
North Little Rock'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 state ownership and serves approximately 1,500 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near North Little Rock
North Little Rock is located near 5 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving North Little Rock
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAMP ROBINSON | AR0000877 | 1,500 | SWP |
How North Little Rock compares
Full Arkansas rankings →North Little Rock's score of 92.7/100 is above the average of 75/100 among major Arkansas cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Arkansas rankings →About North Little Rock, AR
Wikipedia →North Little Rock is a city in Pulaski County, Arkansas, United States. Located on the north side of the Arkansas River, it is the twin city of Little Rock. In the late nineteenth century, it was annexed by Little Rock for a period, but regained its independence in the early 20th century. The population was 64,591 at the 2020 census, making it the seventh-most populous city in Arkansas.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to North Little Rock's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Pulaski
Frequently asked questions
Is North Little Rock, AR tap water safe to drink?
North Little Rock's water quality earned a grade of A (92.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #52 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.
What contaminants are in North Little Rock's water?
Lead was measured at 5.0 ppb (90th percentile). 2 violations are on record.
How is North Little Rock'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 North Little Rock?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does North Little Rock's water come from?
North Little Rock's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,500 residents.
What health violations has North Little Rock's water system had?
North Little Rock has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in June 2013. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. All health violations have been resolved.
How does North Little Rock's water compare to other cities?
North Little Rock ranks #52 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 85% of state cities) and #1145 out of 15744 cities nationally (93th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does North Little Rock's small water system affect quality?
North Little Rock's system serves approximately 1,500 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.