Is Portia, AR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
85.1/100
waterverge.com Portia, AR — Water Quality Report
Portia's drinking water received a grade of A- (85.1 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 586 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 22 violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Portia's water
Portia ranks #172 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, Portia may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Portia, AR water safe to drink?
Portia's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (85.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 586 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Portia
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Portia's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85.1/100).
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: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule, Coliform (TCR).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Portia's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Portia's water system has 22 total violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Lawrence County has experienced 5 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 Spring River At Imboden, Black River At Black Rock.
Where does Portia's water come from?
Portia's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 586 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Spring River At Imboden (river), Black River At Black Rock (river).
What Portia residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Portia'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.
Portia'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 Portia
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Portia, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
EAGAN MANUFACTURING CO INC BLACK ROCK, AR72415 | — | — | 2.8 mi |
FRIT INDUSTRIES WALNUT RIDGE, AR72476 | — | — | 8.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D4 — exceptional droughtLawrence County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 10.4% 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
Lawrence County has experienced 5 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 Portia compares by contaminant
Explore where Portia ranks among all Arkansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Portia's water comes from
Portia'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 586 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Portia
Portia 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 Portia
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PORTIA WATERWORKS | AR0000305 | 586 | SWP |
How Portia compares
Full Arkansas rankings →Portia's score of 85.1/100 is above the average of 75/100 among major Arkansas cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Arkansas rankings →About Portia, AR
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Portia's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Lawrence
Frequently asked questions
Is Portia, AR tap water safe to drink?
Portia's water quality earned a grade of A- (85.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #172 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.
What contaminants are in Portia's water?
Lead was measured at 5.0 ppb (90th percentile). 22 violations are on record.
How is Portia'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 Portia?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Portia's water come from?
Portia's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 586 residents.
What health violations has Portia's water system had?
Portia has 7 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2019. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 5 violations remain unresolved.
How does Portia's water compare to other cities?
Portia ranks #172 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 50% of state cities) and #5530 out of 15744 cities nationally (65th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Portia's small water system affect quality?
Portia's system serves approximately 586 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 22 violations on record.