Is Quitman, AR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
84.9/100
waterverge.com Quitman, AR — Water Quality Report
Quitman's drinking water received a grade of B+ (84.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,400 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 11.0 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 13 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Quitman's water
Quitman ranks #176 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Quitman may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Quitman, AR water safe to drink?
Quitman's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of B+ (84.9/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,400 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Quitman
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Quitman's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (84.9/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3541). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3215). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Quitman's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Quitman's water system has 13 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Cleburne County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1997. 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 Quitman's water come from?
Quitman's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,400 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Quitman residents can do
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.
Quitman'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 droughtCleburne County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 40.0% 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
Cleburne County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1997. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Quitman'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. | 11.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Near Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Quitman compares by contaminant
Explore where Quitman ranks among all Arkansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Quitman's water comes from
Quitman'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 1,400 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Quitman
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| QUITMAN WATERWORKS | AR0000105 | 1,400 | SWP |
| LONOKE WHITE PUBLIC WATER AUTHORITY | AR0001076 | — | SW |
How Quitman compares
Full Arkansas rankings →Quitman's score of 84.9/100 is above the average of 75/100 among major Arkansas cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Arkansas rankings →About Quitman, AR
Wikipedia →Quitman is a city in Cleburne and Faulkner counties in the U.S. state of Arkansas. As of the 2020 census, Quitman had a population of 694. The portion of the city in Faulkner County is part of the Central Arkansas region.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Quitman's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Cleburne
Frequently asked questions
Is Quitman, AR tap water safe to drink?
Quitman's water quality earned a grade of B+ (84.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #176 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.
What contaminants are in Quitman's water?
Lead was measured at 11.0 ppb (90th percentile). 13 violations are on record.
How is Quitman'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 Quitman?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Quitman's water come from?
Quitman's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,400 residents.
What health violations has Quitman's water system had?
Quitman has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2009. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
How does Quitman's water compare to other cities?
Quitman ranks #176 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 49% of state cities) and #5619 out of 15744 cities nationally (64th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.