Is Scranton, 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 ↓
88.3/100
waterverge.com Scranton, AR — Water Quality Report
Scranton's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,854 residents using purchased surface water.
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 24 violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Scranton's water
Scranton ranks #130 out of 345 cities in Arkansas for water quality, placing it mid-range 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.
As a small community water system, Scranton may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Scranton, AR water safe to drink?
Scranton's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (88.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,854 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Scranton
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Scranton's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.3/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3541). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4441). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Scranton's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Scranton's water system has 24 total violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Logan 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. Local water sources include Spadra Creek At Clarksville.
Where does Scranton's water come from?
Scranton's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,854 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Spadra Creek At Clarksville (river).
What Scranton residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Scranton'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.
Scranton'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Scranton
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Scranton, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 450,082 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
TYSON POULTRY INC. SCRANTON, AR72863 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 450,082 | 1.9 mi |
GREENVILLE TUBE CO LLC CLARKSVILLE, AR72830 | — | — | 8.0 mi |
TYSON POULTRY INC- SPADRA FEED MILL CLARKSVILLE, AR72830 | — | — | 6.8 mi |
TYSON POULTRY INC. CLARKSVILLE, AR72830 | — | — | 9.0 mi |
THE PICTSWEET CO - CLARKSVILLE AR PLANT CLARKSVILLE, AR72830 | — | — | 7.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtLogan 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
Logan 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. | 2.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Scranton compares by contaminant
Explore where Scranton ranks among all Arkansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Scranton's water comes from
Scranton'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 1,854 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Scranton
Scranton is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Scranton
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SCRANTON WATERWORKS | AR0000330 | 1,542 | SWP |
| MORRISON BLUFF WATER SYSTEM | AR0000709 | 312 | SWP |
How Scranton compares
Full Arkansas rankings →Scranton's score of 88.3/100 is above the average of 75/100 among major Arkansas cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Arkansas rankings →About Scranton, AR
Wikipedia →Scranton is a city in Logan County, Arkansas, United States. As of the 2020 census, Scranton had a population of 245. It was named after Scranton, Pennsylvania.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Scranton's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Logan
Frequently asked questions
Is Scranton, AR tap water safe to drink?
Scranton's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #130 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.
What contaminants are in Scranton's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 24 violations are on record.
How is Scranton'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 Scranton?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Scranton's water come from?
Scranton's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,854 residents.
What health violations has Scranton's water system had?
Scranton has 9 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
How does Scranton's water compare to other cities?
Scranton ranks #130 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 62% of state cities) and #3529 out of 15744 cities nationally (78th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.