Is Perryville, AR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 22 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
78.8/100
Perryville, AR — Water Quality Report
Perryville's drinking water received a grade of B (78.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 6,793 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 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 115 violations on record, including 55 health-based violations. 22 remain unresolved.
What to know about Perryville's water
Perryville ranks #235 out of 345 cities in Arkansas for water quality, placing it below 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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Perryville, AR water safe to drink?
Perryville's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (78.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 6,793 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Perryville
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Perryville's water quality assessment. Grade: B (78.8/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence 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: Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Perryville's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Perryville's water system has 115 total violations on record, including 55 health-based violations. 22 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, Maumelle River At Williams Junction, Maumelle River West Of Wye, Maumelle River Near Wye.
Where does Perryville's water come from?
Perryville's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 6,793 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), Maumelle River At Williams Junction (river), Maumelle River West Of Wye (river), Maumelle River Near Wye (river).
What Perryville residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Perryville'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.
Perryville'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 Perryville
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Perryville, 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 | 7.1 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. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Perryville compares by contaminant
Explore where Perryville ranks among all Arkansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Perryville's water comes from
Perryville'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 6,793 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Perryville
Perryville 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 Perryville
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PERRYVILLE WATERWORKS | AR0000413 | 5,538 | SW |
| HOUSTON WATERWORKS | AR0000414 | 650 | SWP |
| BIGELOW WATERWORKS | AR0000411 | 605 | GW |
How Perryville compares
Full Arkansas rankings →Perryville's score of 78.8/100 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 Perryville, AR
Wikipedia →Perryville is a city in and the county seat of Perry County, Arkansas, United States. As of the 2020 census, Perryville had a population of 1,373. It is part of the Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway metropolitan area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Perryville's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Pulaski
Frequently asked questions
Is Perryville, AR tap water safe to drink?
Perryville's water quality earned a grade of B (78.8/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #235 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.
What contaminants are in Perryville's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 115 violations are on record.
How is Perryville'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 Perryville?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Perryville's water come from?
Perryville's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 6,793 residents.
What health violations has Perryville's water system had?
Perryville has 55 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. 22 violations remain unresolved.
How does Perryville's water compare to other cities?
Perryville ranks #235 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 32% of state cities) and #8504 out of 15744 cities nationally (46th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.