Is Rohwer, AR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 11 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
77.7/100
waterverge.com Rohwer, AR — Water Quality Report
Rohwer's drinking water received a grade of B (77.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 563 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 19 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved.
What to know about Rohwer's water
Rohwer ranks #242 out of 345 cities in Arkansas for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Rohwer 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, Rohwer may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Rohwer, AR water safe to drink?
Rohwer's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (77.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 563 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Rohwer
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Rohwer's water quality assessment. Grade: B (77.7/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
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.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Rohwer'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
Rohwer's water system has 19 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Desha County has experienced 8 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 Rohwer's water come from?
Rohwer's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 563 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Rohwer residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Rohwer'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.
Rohwer'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 droughtDesha 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
Desha County has experienced 8 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 Rohwer'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. | 7.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Rohwer compares by contaminant
Explore where Rohwer ranks among all Arkansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Rohwer's water comes from
Rohwer'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 private ownership and serves approximately 563 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Rohwer
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| KELSO-ROHWER WATER ASSOCIATION | AR0000168 | 563 | GW |
How Rohwer compares
Full Arkansas rankings →Rohwer's score of 77.7/100 is on par with the average of 75/100 among major Arkansas cities. It outscores 4 of 10 nearby cities. 6 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Arkansas rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Rohwer's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Desha
Frequently asked questions
Is Rohwer, AR tap water safe to drink?
Rohwer's water quality earned a grade of B (77.7/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #242 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.
What contaminants are in Rohwer's water?
Lead was measured at 7.0 ppb (90th percentile). 19 violations are on record.
How is Rohwer'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 Rohwer?
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 Rohwer's water come from?
Rohwer's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 563 residents.
What health violations has Rohwer's water system had?
Rohwer has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 11 violations remain unresolved.
Is Rohwer's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Rohwer 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 19 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 Rohwer's water compare to other cities?
Rohwer ranks #242 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 30% of state cities) and #8926 out of 15744 cities nationally (43th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Rohwer's small water system affect quality?
Rohwer's system serves approximately 563 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 19 violations on record.