WaterVerge

Is Redfield, AR Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded A-, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

3K residents served 1 water system PWSID: AR0000279
Overall Score
85.8 / 100
Violations
3 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#166 of 345 in Arkansas Top 33% nationally
Local Government
High data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
A-GRADE
Water Quality Grade
85.8/100
waterverge.com
A- 85.8/100

Redfield, AR — Water Quality Report

Redfield's drinking water received a grade of A- (85.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,823 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 7.0 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 6 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 3 remain unresolved.

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

What to know about Redfield's water

Redfield ranks #166 out of 345 cities in Arkansas for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.

Redfield 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.

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, Redfield may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
85.8 out of 100 Grade A-
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
44.5/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
15/20
B
Lead at 7.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
18.2/20
A
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
3/10
F
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Redfield, AR water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Redfield's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (85.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,823 residents using groundwater (wells).

3
Active Violations
7.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
9 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Redfield

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

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Redfield's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85.8/100).

Disaster
HURRICANE LAURA

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

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4441). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).

Key contaminant findings

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

Lead Elevated
Detected: 7.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

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

Redfield's water system has 6 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 3 remain unresolved.

MROtherMCL
Most recent violations:
Aug 2006 Coliform (TCR) Resolved
Oct 2004 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Sep 2004 Coliform (TCR) Resolved
Jul 2004 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Dec 2003 Coliform (TCR) Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Jefferson County has experienced 9 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.

HURRICANE LAURA
Hurricane FEMA DR-3541
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4441
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-3414

Where does Redfield's water come from?

Redfield's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,823 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.

What Redfield residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Redfield'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

Redfield'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
Safe
7.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 47% of limit
Safe Level
HAA5 (Disinfection Byproducts)
Disinfection Byproduct
Safe
1.1 µg/L
EPA MCL: 60 µg/L · 2% of limit
Within LimitUCMR 4 DataHAA6Br: 1.0 µg/LHAA9: 1.9 µg/L
Manganese
Inorganic
Detected
1.3 µg/L
EPA Secondary MCL: 50 µg/L · 3% of limit
DetectedUCMR 4 Data
Compliance Record

Violation summary

6
Total violations
1
Health-based
3
Active / unresolved
Aug 2006
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

6 Total
3 Active
1 Health-based
3 Resolved
Violations by category
Total Coliform Rule
3
Consumer Confidence Rule
3
Oct 2004 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2004 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 2003 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Aug 2006 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Aug 2006
Sep 2004 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Sep 2004
Dec 2003 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2003
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Redfield

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Redfield, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

Total reported releases to surface water: 732 lbs

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
WHITE BLUFF GENERATING PLANT
Electric Utilities · ENTERGY CORP
REDFIELD, AR72132
Copper And Copper Compounds7322.9 mi
MID SOUTH SALES
Petroleum Bulk Terminals · CADENCE PETROLEUM GROUP
JEFFERSON, AR72079
3.4 mi
NATIONAL CTR FOR TOXICOLOGICAL RESEARCH
Other · US DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
JEFFERSON, AR72079
6.0 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D3 — extreme drought

Jefferson 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.

14
Weeks at D2+ (current streak)
13.7%
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

9
Declared disasters
Aug 2020
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Jefferson County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 1973. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Aug 2020
HURRICANE LAURA
Hurricane FEMA #3541
Jun 2019
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4441
May 2019
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #3414
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3215
Apr 1997
FLOODING, SEVERE STORMS
Flood FEMA #1176
May 1990
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #865

Recommended water filters

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

🚰
For Lead
Reverse Osmosis or NSF 53-Certified Pitcher
Lead detected at 7.0 ppb
Read our guide →

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 7.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has increased by 2.0 ppb from 1993 (5.0 ppb) to 2003 (7.0 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
2,823
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Redfield's water comes from

Groundwater

Redfield'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 2,823 people through 1 water system.

Infrastructure

Water systems serving Redfield

System Name PWSID Population Source
REDFIELD WATERWORKS AR0000279 2,823 GW
Regional Comparison

How Redfield compares

Full Arkansas rankings →

Redfield's score of 85.8/100 is above the average of 75/100 among major Arkansas cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.

Redfield (this city)
85.8
Springdale
79.1
Fort Smith
45.5
Arkansas avg
75
City Profile

About Redfield, AR

Wikipedia →

For people with the surname, see Redfield (surname).

Economic Profile
$67,614
Median Income
$145,908
Median Home Value
$941/mo
Median Rent
5.8%
Unemployment
Community
44.5
Median Age
176
People / sq mi
25.7%
College Educated
74%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Redfield, AR tap water safe to drink?

Redfield's water quality earned a grade of A- (85.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #166 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.

What contaminants are in Redfield's water?

Lead was measured at 7.0 ppb (90th percentile). 6 violations are on record.

How is Redfield'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 Redfield?

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 Redfield's water come from?

Redfield's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,823 residents.

What health violations has Redfield's water system had?

Redfield has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 2006. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.

Is Redfield's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Redfield 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 6 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 Redfield's water compare to other cities?

Redfield ranks #166 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 52% of state cities) and #5099 out of 15744 cities nationally (68th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Redfield's small water system affect quality?

Redfield's system serves approximately 2,823 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 6 violations on record.