WaterVerge

Is Roland, AR Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded A — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓

3K residents served 1 water system PWSID: AR0000464
Overall Score
91.8 / 100
Violations
None active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#65 of 345 in Arkansas Top 10% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
AGRADE
Water Quality Grade
91.8/100
waterverge.com
A 91.8/100

Roland, AR — Water Quality Report

Roland's drinking water received a grade of A (91.8 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,832 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 2.0 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 2 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. All violations have been resolved.

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

What to know about Roland's water

Roland ranks #65 out of 345 cities in Arkansas for water quality, placing it above average in the state.

Roland 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.

As a small community water system, Roland may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
91.8 out of 100 Grade A
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
44.8/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
15/20
B
Lead at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
10/10
A
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Roland, AR water safe to drink?

Generally Safe

Based on EPA testing data, Roland's tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of A (91.8/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,832 residents using groundwater (wells).

None
Violations
2.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
10 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Roland

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

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Roland's water quality assessment. Grade: A (91.8/100).

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES, AND FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4873). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
HURRICANE LAURA

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

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

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

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).

Key contaminant findings

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

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 2.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Copper Exceeds Limit
Detected: 1.83 mg/L Limit: 1.3 mg/L (EPA Action Level)

Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.

Violation history

Roland's water system has 2 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. All violations have been resolved.

MCLMR
Most recent violations:
Jun 2003 Coliform (TCR) Resolved
Jun 2001 Coliform (TCR) Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Pulaski County has experienced 10 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 Lake Conway Near Mayflower, Lk Maumelle At Mouth Of Pigeon Roost Cr Nr Wye, Yount Creek Near Martindale, Reece Creek At Little Italy, Lake Maumelle At Natural Steps.

SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4873
HURRICANE LAURA
Hurricane FEMA DR-3541
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4441

Where does Roland's water come from?

Roland's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,832 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Lake Conway Near Mayflower (lake), Lk Maumelle At Mouth Of Pigeon Roost Cr Nr Wye (lake), Yount Creek Near Martindale (river), Reece Creek At Little Italy (river), Lake Maumelle At Natural Steps (lake).

What Roland residents can do

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

Roland'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
2.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 13% of limit
Safe Level
Copper (90th percentile)
Inorganic
Over Limit
1.83 mg/L
EPA Action Level: 1.3 mg/L · +20% over limit
Exceeds Limit
Compliance Record

Violation summary

2
Total violations
1
Health-based
0
Active / unresolved
Jun 2003
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

2 Total
0 Active
1 Health-based
2 Resolved
Jun 2003 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Jun 2003
Jun 2001 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2001
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Roland

Industrial polluters nearby

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

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
MOLEX LLC
Miscellaneous Manufacturing · KOCH INDUSTRIES INC
MAUMELLE, AR72113
7.4 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D3 — extreme drought

Pulaski 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)
12.8%
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

10
Declared disasters
May 2025
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Pulaski County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1969. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

May 2025
SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4873
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
May 1990
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #865

Recommended water filters

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

🔧
For Copper
Reverse Osmosis or KDF Filter
Copper exceeds the EPA action level of 1.3 mg/L

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 2.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Copper (90th percentile) 1.83 1.3 mg/L Inorganic Over Limit
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 5.0 ppb from 1993 (7.0 ppb) to 2004 (2.0 ppb).

Copper level (90th percentile)

Latest reading: 1.830 mg/L (1994)

EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L

Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
2,832
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Roland's water comes from

Groundwater

Roland'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 2,832 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Roland

Roland is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Lake Conway Near Mayflower
lake
Lk Maumelle At Mouth Of Pigeon Roost Cr Nr Wye
lake
Yount Creek Near Martindale
river
Reece Creek At Little Italy
river
Lake Maumelle At Natural Steps
lake
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Roland

System Name PWSID Population Source
MAUMELLE WATER CORPORATION AR0000464 2,832 GW
Regional Comparison

How Roland compares

Full Arkansas rankings →

Roland's score of 91.8/100 is above the average of 75/100 among major Arkansas cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.

Roland (this city)
91.8
Springdale
79.1
Fort Smith
45.5
Arkansas avg
75
City Profile

About Roland, AR

Economic Profile
$67,917
Median Income
4.4%
Unemployment
Community
47.4
Median Age
48
People / sq mi
37.7%
College Educated
67.2%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Roland, AR tap water safe to drink?

Roland's water quality earned a grade of A (91.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #65 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.

What contaminants are in Roland's water?

Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 2 violations are on record.

How is Roland'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 Roland?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Roland's water come from?

Roland's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,832 residents.

What health violations has Roland's water system had?

Roland has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in June 2003. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. All health violations have been resolved.

Is Roland's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Roland 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 2 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 Roland's water compare to other cities?

Roland ranks #65 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 81% of state cities) and #1492 out of 15744 cities nationally (91th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Roland's small water system affect quality?

Roland's system serves approximately 2,832 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 2 violations on record.