Is Smackover, AR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
72.5/100
waterverge.com Smackover, AR — Water Quality Report
Smackover's drinking water received a grade of B- (72.5 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 4,614 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 4.0 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 37 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 23 remain unresolved.
What to know about Smackover's water
Smackover ranks #262 out of 345 cities in Arkansas for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Smackover 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 Smackover, AR water safe to drink?
Smackover's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (72.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 4,614 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Smackover
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Smackover's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (72.5/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3541). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule, Public Notice.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3215). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Smackover's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Smackover's water system has 37 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 23 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Union County has experienced 8 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 Smackover Creek Near Smackover.
Where does Smackover's water come from?
Smackover's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 4,614 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Smackover Creek Near Smackover (river).
What Smackover residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Smackover'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.
Smackover'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 Smackover
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Smackover, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 680,395 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
LSB CHEMICAL L.L.C EL DORADO, AR71730 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 680,393 | 6.7 mi |
MARTIN OPERATING PTNR LP SMACKOVER, AR71762 | Toluene | 3 | 0.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Smackover
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- MACMILLAN RING FREE OIL5.8 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtUnion 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
Union County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1969. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Smackover'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. | 4.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.82 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Smackover compares by contaminant
Explore where Smackover ranks among all Arkansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Smackover's water comes from
Smackover'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 4,614 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Smackover
Smackover is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Smackover
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMACKOVER WATERWORKS | AR0000555 | 2,821 | GW |
| FRENCHPORT WATER ASSOCIATION | AR0000636 | 1,793 | SWP |
How Smackover compares
Full Arkansas rankings →Smackover's score of 72.5/100 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 →About Smackover, AR
Wikipedia →Smackover is a small city in northern Union County, Arkansas, United States. As of the 2020 census, Smackover had a population of 1,630. It had a large oil boom in the 1920s, with production continuing for some time.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Smackover's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Union
Frequently asked questions
Is Smackover, AR tap water safe to drink?
Smackover's water quality earned a grade of B- (72.5/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #262 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.
What contaminants are in Smackover's water?
Lead was measured at 4.0 ppb (90th percentile). 37 violations are on record.
How is Smackover'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 Smackover?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Smackover's water come from?
Smackover's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 4,614 residents.
What health violations has Smackover's water system had?
Smackover has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2020. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 23 violations remain unresolved.
Is Smackover's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Smackover 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 37 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 Smackover's water compare to other cities?
Smackover ranks #262 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 24% of state cities) and #10298 out of 15744 cities nationally (35th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.