WaterVerge

Is Pleasant Grove, AR Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded C+ — but Lead was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓

3K residents served 2 water systems PWSID: AR0000720
Overall Score
68.6 / 100
Violations
2 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Purchased surface water
#277 of 345 in Arkansas Top 70% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
C+GRADE
Water Quality Grade
68.6/100
waterverge.com
C+ 68.6/100

Pleasant Grove, AR — Water Quality Report

Pleasant Grove's drinking water received a grade of C+ (68.6 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,862 residents using purchased surface water.

Lead levels were measured at 45.0 ppb (90th percentile), which exceeds the EPA action level of 15 ppb. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.

The system has 72 violations on record, including 44 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Pleasant Grove's water

Pleasant Grove ranks #277 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.

Lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb, which typically indicates aging lead service lines or lead solder in the distribution system. An NSF 53-certified filter is strongly recommended for drinking and cooking water.

As a small community water system, Pleasant Grove may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
68.6 out of 100 Grade C+
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
36.6/45
B
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
1/20
F
Lead at 45.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
10/10
A
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
4/5
B
Water source: Purchased surface water.
Water Safety

Is Pleasant Grove, AR water safe to drink?

Use Caution

Pleasant Grove's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of C+ (68.6/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,862 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).

2
Active Violations
45.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
7 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Pleasant Grove

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Pleasant Grove's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (68.6/100).

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES, AND FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4873). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
HURRICANE LAURA

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3541). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Pleasant Grove's water supply.

Lead Exceeds Limit
Detected: 45.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Exceeds EPA action level. Lead service line replacement and point-of-use filtration recommended.

Violation history

Pleasant Grove's water system has 72 total violations on record, including 44 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.

TTOtherMR
Most recent violations:
Aug 2008 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Sep 2001 Surface Water Treatment Rule Resolved
Aug 2001 Surface Water Treatment Rule Resolved
Jul 2001 Surface Water Treatment Rule Resolved
Jun 2001 Surface Water Treatment Rule Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Craighead 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.

SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4873
HURRICANE LAURA
Hurricane FEMA DR-3541
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA DR-3215

Where does Pleasant Grove's water come from?

Pleasant Grove's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,862 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.

What Pleasant Grove residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Pleasant Grove's water.

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Flush your taps

Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.

Monitor alerts during storms

Pleasant Grove'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Over Limit
45.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · +20% over limit
Exceeds LimitFilter: NSF-53
Compliance Record

Violation summary

72
Total violations
44
Health-based
2
Active / unresolved
Aug 2008
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

72 Total
2 Active
44 Health-based
70 Resolved
Violations by category
Surface Water Treatment Rule
60
Miscellaneous Other Rules
8
Total Coliform Rule
2
Lead and Copper Rule
1
Aug 2008 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Sep 2001 Resolved
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health Resolved Sep 2001
Aug 2001 Resolved
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health Resolved Aug 2001
Jul 2001 Resolved
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health Resolved Jul 2001
Jun 2001 Resolved
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health Resolved Jun 2001
May 2001 Resolved
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health Resolved May 2001
Apr 2001 Resolved
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health Resolved Apr 2001
Mar 2001 Resolved
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health Resolved Mar 2001
Feb 2001 Resolved
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health Resolved Feb 2001
Jan 2001 Resolved
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health Resolved Jan 2001
Dec 2000 Resolved
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health Resolved Dec 2000
Nov 2000 Resolved
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health Resolved Nov 2000
Oct 2000 Resolved
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health Resolved Oct 2000
Sep 2000 Resolved
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health Resolved Sep 2000
Aug 2000 Resolved
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health Resolved Aug 2000
Jul 2000 Resolved
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health Resolved Jul 2000
Jun 2000 Resolved
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health Resolved Jun 2000
Jun 2000 Resolved
Miscellaneous Other Rules
Other Violation Resolved Jun 2000
May 2000 Resolved
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health Resolved May 2000
Showing 20 of 72 violations
Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D4 — exceptional drought

Izard County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 100.0% 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.

14
Weeks at D2+ (current streak)
6.5%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
14
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

7
Declared disasters
May 2025
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Craighead 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.

May 2025
SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4873
Aug 2020
HURRICANE LAURA
Hurricane FEMA #3541
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3215
Apr 1997
FLOODING, SEVERE STORMS
Flood FEMA #1176
May 1973
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #389
Apr 1973
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #375

Recommended water filters

Based on contaminants detected in Pleasant Grove's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.

🚰
For Lead
Reverse Osmosis or NSF 53-Certified Pitcher
Lead level (45.0 ppb) exceeds the EPA action level of 15 ppb
Read our guide →

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 45.0 15 ppb Inorganic Over Limit
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has increased by 44.0 ppb from 1992 (1.0 ppb) to 2010 (45.0 ppb).
Contaminant Rankings

See how Pleasant Grove compares by contaminant

Explore where Pleasant Grove ranks among all Arkansas cities for specific contaminants.

Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Purchased Surface Water
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
2,862
Water Systems
2
Water Source

Where Pleasant Grove's water comes from

Purchased Surface Water

Pleasant Grove'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 2,862 people through 2 water systems.

Infrastructure

Water systems serving Pleasant Grove

System Name PWSID Population Source
PLEASANT GROVE AR0000720 2,613 SWP
GUION WATER DEPARTMENT AR0000626 249 SWP
Regional Comparison

How Pleasant Grove compares

Full Arkansas rankings →

Pleasant Grove's score of 68.6/100 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.

Pleasant Grove (this city)
68.6
Springdale
79.1
Fort Smith
45.5
Arkansas avg
75
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Frequently asked questions

Is Pleasant Grove, AR tap water safe to drink?

Pleasant Grove's water quality earned a grade of C+ (68.6/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #277 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.

What contaminants are in Pleasant Grove's water?

Lead was measured at 45.0 ppb (90th percentile). 72 violations are on record.

How is Pleasant Grove'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 Pleasant Grove?

Yes — lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb. We recommend an NSF 53-certified filter or reverse osmosis system. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Pleasant Grove's water come from?

Pleasant Grove's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,862 residents.

What health violations has Pleasant Grove's water system had?

Pleasant Grove has 44 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 2008. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.

How does Pleasant Grove's water compare to other cities?

Pleasant Grove ranks #277 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 20% of state cities) and #11047 out of 15744 cities nationally (30th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.