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 ↓
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.
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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Pleasant Grove, AR water safe to drink?
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).
Recent water quality updates for Pleasant Grove
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Pleasant Grove's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (68.6/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4873). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3541). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule.
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.
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.
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.
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
Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Pleasant Grove'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.
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.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Drought conditions
D4 — exceptional droughtIzard 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.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Pleasant Grove'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. | 45.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Pleasant Grove compares by contaminant
Explore where Pleasant Grove ranks among all Arkansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Pleasant Grove's water comes from
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.
Water systems serving Pleasant Grove
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PLEASANT GROVE | AR0000720 | 2,613 | SWP |
| GUION WATER DEPARTMENT | AR0000626 | 249 | SWP |
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.
Nearby cities
View Arkansas rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Pleasant Grove's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Stone
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.