Is Parkin, AR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 16 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
76/100
waterverge.com Parkin, AR — Water Quality Report
Parkin's drinking water received a grade of B (76 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 845 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 39 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 16 remain unresolved.
What to know about Parkin's water
Parkin ranks #249 out of 345 cities in Arkansas for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Parkin 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, Parkin may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Parkin, AR water safe to drink?
Parkin's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (76/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 845 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Parkin
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Parkin's water quality assessment. Grade: B (76/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4873). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Public Notice, Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
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 Parkin'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
Parkin's water system has 39 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 16 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Cross County has experienced 6 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.
Where does Parkin's water come from?
Parkin's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 845 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Parkin residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Parkin'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.
Parkin'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
D3 — extreme droughtCross 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
Cross County has experienced 6 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 Parkin'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 Parkin compares by contaminant
Explore where Parkin ranks among all Arkansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Parkin's water comes from
Parkin'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 845 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Parkin
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PARKIN WATERWORKS | AR0000160 | 845 | GW |
How Parkin compares
Full Arkansas rankings →Parkin's score of 76/100 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 Parkin, AR
Wikipedia →Parkin is a city in Cross County, Arkansas, United States, along the St. Francis River. The population was 1,105 at the 2010 census, down from 1,602 in 2000. In the 2020 census, it dropped further to 794 people. Due to the recent population loss, a large segment of the downtown area has many abandoned and boarded-up buildings. The town has recently become known as a speed trap.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Parkin's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Cross
Frequently asked questions
Is Parkin, AR tap water safe to drink?
Parkin's water quality earned a grade of B (76/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #249 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.
What contaminants are in Parkin's water?
Lead was measured at 7.0 ppb (90th percentile). 39 violations are on record.
How is Parkin'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 Parkin?
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 Parkin's water come from?
Parkin's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 845 residents.
What health violations has Parkin's water system had?
Parkin has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2021. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 16 violations remain unresolved.
Is Parkin's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Parkin 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 39 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 Parkin's water compare to other cities?
Parkin ranks #249 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 28% of state cities) and #9431 out of 15744 cities nationally (40th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Parkin's small water system affect quality?
Parkin's system serves approximately 845 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 39 violations on record.