Is Patterson, AR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 13 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
83/100
waterverge.com Patterson, AR — Water Quality Report
Patterson's drinking water received a grade of B+ (83 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 787 residents using groundwater.
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 26 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 13 remain unresolved.
What to know about Patterson's water
Patterson ranks #204 out of 345 cities in Arkansas for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Patterson 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.
As a small community water system, Patterson may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Patterson, AR water safe to drink?
Patterson's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (83/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 787 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Patterson
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Patterson's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (83/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4873). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3541). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Patterson's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Patterson's water system has 26 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 13 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Woodruff 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. Local water sources include Cache River At Patterson, Bayou Deview Near Morton.
Where does Patterson's water come from?
Patterson's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 787 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Cache River At Patterson (river), Bayou Deview Near Morton (river).
What Patterson residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Patterson'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.
Patterson'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
D4 — exceptional droughtWoodruff County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 12.2% 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.
Flood & disaster history
Woodruff 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.
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 |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Patterson compares by contaminant
Explore where Patterson ranks among all Arkansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Patterson's water comes from
Patterson'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 787 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Patterson
Patterson is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Patterson
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PATTERSON WATERWORKS | AR0000598 | 433 | GW |
| WEST WOODRUFF WATER DISTRICT | AR0000779 | 354 | GWP |
How Patterson compares
Full Arkansas rankings →Patterson's score of 83/100 is above the average of 75/100 among major Arkansas cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Arkansas rankings →About Patterson, AR
Wikipedia →Patterson is a city in Woodruff County, Arkansas, United States. The population was 310 as of the 2020 Census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Patterson's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Woodruff
Frequently asked questions
Is Patterson, AR tap water safe to drink?
Patterson's water quality earned a grade of B+ (83/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #204 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.
What contaminants are in Patterson's water?
Lead was measured at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile). 26 violations are on record.
How is Patterson'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 Patterson?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Patterson's water come from?
Patterson's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 787 residents.
What health violations has Patterson's water system had?
Patterson has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2021. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 13 violations remain unresolved.
Is Patterson's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Patterson 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 26 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 Patterson's water compare to other cities?
Patterson ranks #204 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 41% of state cities) and #6669 out of 15744 cities nationally (58th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.