Is Salem, AR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A with no contaminants above EPA limits. Here's everything we tested and how Salem ranks. What to do next ↓
94.9/100
waterverge.com Salem, AR — Water Quality Report
Salem's drinking water received a grade of A (94.9 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 4,050 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.0 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 11 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
What to know about Salem's water
Salem ranks #24 out of 345 cities in Arkansas for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Salem 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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Salem, AR water safe to drink?
Based on EPA testing data, Salem's tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of A (94.9/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 4,050 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Salem
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Salem's water quality assessment. Grade: A (94.9/100).
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.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Salem's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Salem's water system has 11 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Fulton County has experienced 7 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.
Where does Salem's water come from?
Salem's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 4,050 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Salem 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.
Salem'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 droughtFulton County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 9.4% 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
Fulton County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1969. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
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. | 3.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Salem compares by contaminant
Explore where Salem ranks among all Arkansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Salem's water comes from
Salem'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 4,050 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Salem
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| FULTON COUNTY WATER AUTHORI | AR0000814 | 2,411 | GW |
| SALEM WATERWORKS | AR0000204 | 1,639 | GW |
How Salem compares
Full Arkansas rankings →Salem's score of 94.9/100 is above the average of 75/100 among major Arkansas cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Arkansas rankings →About Salem, AR
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Salem's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Fulton
Frequently asked questions
Is Salem, AR tap water safe to drink?
Salem's water quality earned a grade of A (94.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #24 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.
What contaminants are in Salem's water?
Lead was measured at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile). 11 violations are on record.
How is Salem'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 Salem?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Salem's water come from?
Salem's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 4,050 residents.
What health violations has Salem's water system had?
Salem has 6 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in June 2004. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. All health violations have been resolved.
Is Salem's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Salem 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 11 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 Salem's water compare to other cities?
Salem ranks #24 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 93% of state cities) and #400 out of 15744 cities nationally (98th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.