Is Ola, AR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
66.1/100
waterverge.com Ola, AR — Water Quality Report
Ola's drinking water received a grade of C+ (66.1 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,204 residents using 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 59 violations on record, including 29 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about Ola's water
Ola ranks #282 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.
As a small community water system, Ola may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 8 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Ola, AR water safe to drink?
Ola's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (66.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,204 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Ola
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Ola's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (66.1/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3541). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4441). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Ola'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
Ola's water system has 59 total violations on record, including 29 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved. 8 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Yell County has experienced 7 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 Petit Jean River Near Centerville.
Where does Ola's water come from?
Ola's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,204 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Petit Jean River Near Centerville (river).
What Ola residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Ola'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.
Ola'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 Ola
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Ola, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 266,454 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
WAYNE-SANDERSON FARMS LLC - DANVILLE COMPLEX DANVILLE, AR72833 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 266,454 | 8.4 mi |
POTLATCHDELTIC MANUFACTURING LLC - OLA MILL OLA, AR72853 | — | — | 0.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Ola
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.
- OLD MIDLAND PRODUCTS1.2 mi
- MOUNTAIN PINE PRESSURE TREATING5.5 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtYell 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
Yell County has experienced 7 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 Ola'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. | 1.43 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Ola compares by contaminant
Explore where Ola ranks among all Arkansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Ola's water comes from
Ola'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 1,204 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Ola
Ola 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 Ola
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| OLA WATERWORKS | AR0000604 | 1,204 | SW |
How Ola compares
Full Arkansas rankings →Ola's score of 66.1/100 is below the average of 75/100 among major Arkansas cities. It outscores 2 of 10 nearby cities. 8 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Arkansas rankings →About Ola, AR
Wikipedia →Ola is a city in Yell County, Arkansas, United States. As of the 2020 census, Ola had a population of 934. It is roughly 15 miles south of the Russellville Metropolitan area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Ola's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Yell
Frequently asked questions
Is Ola, AR tap water safe to drink?
Ola's water quality earned a grade of C+ (66.1/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #282 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.
What contaminants are in Ola's water?
Lead was measured at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile). 59 violations are on record.
How is Ola'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 Ola?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Ola's water come from?
Ola's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,204 residents.
What health violations has Ola's water system had?
Ola has 29 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. 6 violations remain unresolved.
How does Ola's water compare to other cities?
Ola ranks #282 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 18% of state cities) and #11421 out of 15744 cities nationally (28th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Ola's small water system affect quality?
Ola's system serves approximately 1,204 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 59 violations on record.