Is Perry, AR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
86.3/100
waterverge.com Perry, AR — Water Quality Report
Perry's drinking water received a grade of A- (86.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 736 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 63 violations on record, including 28 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Perry's water
Perry ranks #160 out of 345 cities in Arkansas for water quality, placing it mid-range 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, Perry may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Perry, AR water safe to drink?
Perry's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (86.3/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 736 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Perry
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Perry's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.3/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
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.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Perry's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Perry's water system has 63 total violations on record, including 28 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Perry County has experienced 8 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 Near Morrilton, Fourche La Fave River Near Houston.
Where does Perry's water come from?
Perry's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 736 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 Near Morrilton (river), Fourche La Fave River Near Houston (river).
What Perry 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.
Perry'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 Perry
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Perry, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 45,368 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
GREEN BAY PACKAGING INC. ARKANSAS KRAFT DIV MORRILTON, AR72110 | Manganese compounds | 45,368 | 4.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtPerry 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
Perry County has experienced 8 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 Perry compares by contaminant
Explore where Perry ranks among all Arkansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Perry's water comes from
Perry'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 736 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Perry
Perry is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Perry
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PERRY WATER SYSTEM | AR0000412 | 736 | SWP |
How Perry compares
Full Arkansas rankings →Perry's score of 86.3/100 is above the average of 75/100 among major Arkansas cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Arkansas rankings →About Perry, AR
Wikipedia →Perry is a town in Perry County, Arkansas, United States. As of the 2020 census, Perry had a population of 262. It is part of the Little Rock–North Little Rock–Conway Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Perry's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Perry
Frequently asked questions
Is Perry, AR tap water safe to drink?
Perry's water quality earned a grade of A- (86.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #160 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.
What contaminants are in Perry's water?
Lead was measured at 5.0 ppb (90th percentile). 63 violations are on record.
How is Perry'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 Perry?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Perry's water come from?
Perry's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 736 residents.
What health violations has Perry's water system had?
Perry has 28 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in September 2021. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
How does Perry's water compare to other cities?
Perry ranks #160 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 54% of state cities) and #4797 out of 15744 cities nationally (70th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Perry's small water system affect quality?
Perry's system serves approximately 736 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 63 violations on record.