Is Proctor, 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 ↓
63/100
waterverge.com Proctor, AR — Water Quality Report
Proctor's drinking water received a grade of C (63 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 3,260 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 17.0 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 71 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 31 remain unresolved.
What to know about Proctor's water
Proctor ranks #289 out of 345 cities in Arkansas for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Proctor relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
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, Proctor may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Proctor, AR water safe to drink?
Proctor's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C (63/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 3,260 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Proctor
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Proctor's water quality assessment. Grade: C (63/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4873). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3541). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Proctor's water supply.
Exceeds EPA action level. Lead service line replacement and point-of-use filtration recommended.
Violation history
Proctor's water system has 71 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 31 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Crittenden County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1973. 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 Proctor's water come from?
Proctor's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 3,260 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Proctor residents can do
Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Proctor'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.
Proctor'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
D3 — extreme droughtCrittenden 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
Crittenden County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1973. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Proctor'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. | 17.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Proctor compares by contaminant
Explore where Proctor ranks among all Arkansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Proctor's water comes from
Proctor's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 3,260 people through 3 water systems.
Water systems serving Proctor
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MIDWAY WATER ASSOCIATION | AR0000153 | 1,899 | GW |
| CLARKEDALE-JERICHO WATER ASSOC | AR0000148 | 925 | GWP |
| HEAFER-BLACK OAK WATER ASSOC | AR0000427 | 436 | GWP |
How Proctor compares
Full Arkansas rankings →Proctor's score of 63/100 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 →About Proctor, AR
Wikipedia →Edmondson is a town in Crittenden County, Arkansas, United States. The population was 243 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Proctor's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Crittenden
Frequently asked questions
Is Proctor, AR tap water safe to drink?
Proctor's water quality earned a grade of C (63/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #289 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.
What contaminants are in Proctor's water?
Lead was measured at 17.0 ppb (90th percentile). 71 violations are on record.
How is Proctor'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 Proctor?
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 Proctor's water come from?
Proctor's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 3,260 residents.
What health violations has Proctor's water system had?
Proctor has 6 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 31 violations remain unresolved.
Is Proctor's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Proctor uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 71 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Proctor's water compare to other cities?
Proctor ranks #289 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 16% of state cities) and #11814 out of 15744 cities nationally (25th percentile). The grade of C reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.