Is St Joe, AR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
85.2/100
waterverge.com St Joe, AR — Water Quality Report
St Joe's drinking water received a grade of A- (85.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,730 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 11.0 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 5 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about St Joe's water
St Joe ranks #171 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.
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, St Joe may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is St Joe, AR water safe to drink?
St Joe's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (85.2/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,730 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for St Joe
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into St Joe's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85.2/100).
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.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for St Joe'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
St Joe's water system has 5 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Searcy County has experienced 6 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 Buffalo River Near St. Joe, Bear Creek Near Silver Hill.
Where does St Joe's water come from?
St Joe's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,730 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Buffalo River Near St. Joe (river), Bear Creek Near Silver Hill (river).
What St Joe 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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
St Joe'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 droughtMarion County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 8.3% 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
Searcy County has experienced 6 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 St Joe'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. | 11.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Near Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how St Joe compares by contaminant
Explore where St Joe ranks among all Arkansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where St Joe's water comes from
St Joe'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 1,730 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near St Joe
St Joe is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving St Joe
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| S P G WATER ASSOCIATION | AR0000678 | 1,730 | SWP |
How St Joe compares
Full Arkansas rankings →St Joe's score of 85.2/100 is above the average of 75/100 among major Arkansas cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Arkansas rankings →About St Joe, AR
Wikipedia →St. Joe or Saint Joe is a town in Searcy County, Arkansas, United States. As of the 2020 census, St. Joe had a population of 129.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to St Joe's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Marion
Frequently asked questions
Is St Joe, AR tap water safe to drink?
St Joe's water quality earned a grade of A- (85.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #171 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.
What contaminants are in St Joe's water?
Lead was measured at 11.0 ppb (90th percentile). 5 violations are on record.
How is St Joe'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 St Joe?
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 St Joe's water come from?
St Joe's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,730 residents.
What health violations has St Joe's water system had?
St Joe has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2019. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
How does St Joe's water compare to other cities?
St Joe ranks #171 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 50% of state cities) and #5463 out of 15744 cities nationally (65th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does St Joe's small water system affect quality?
St Joe's system serves approximately 1,730 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 5 violations on record.