Is Stephens, AR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
89.6/100
waterverge.com Stephens, AR — Water Quality Report
Stephens's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,505 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 28 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Stephens's water
Stephens ranks #101 out of 345 cities in Arkansas for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Stephens 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, Stephens may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Stephens, AR water safe to drink?
Stephens's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (89.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,505 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Stephens
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Stephens's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.6/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4873). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3541). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Stephens's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Stephens's water system has 28 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Ouachita County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1987. 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 Stephens's water come from?
Stephens's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,505 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Stephens residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Stephens'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.
Stephens'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
D3 — extreme droughtOuachita 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
Ouachita County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1987. 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 Stephens compares by contaminant
Explore where Stephens ranks among all Arkansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Stephens's water comes from
Stephens'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 1,505 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Stephens
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| STEPHENS WATERWORKS | AR0000405 | 1,100 | GW |
| LYDESDALE WATER ASSOCIATION | AR0000713 | 405 | SWP |
How Stephens compares
Full Arkansas rankings →Stephens's score of 89.6/100 is above the average of 75/100 among major Arkansas cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Arkansas rankings →About Stephens, AR
Wikipedia →Stephens is a city in southwest Ouachita County, Arkansas, United States. As of the 2020 census, Stephens had a population of 770. It is part of the Camden Micropolitan Statistical Area. Stephens was incorporated in 1889.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Stephens's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Ouachita
Frequently asked questions
Is Stephens, AR tap water safe to drink?
Stephens's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #101 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.
What contaminants are in Stephens's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 28 violations are on record.
How is Stephens'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 Stephens?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Stephens's water come from?
Stephens's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,505 residents.
What health violations has Stephens's water system had?
Stephens has 5 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in June 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 4 violations remain unresolved.
Is Stephens's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Stephens 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 28 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 Stephens's water compare to other cities?
Stephens ranks #101 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 71% of state cities) and #2719 out of 15744 cities nationally (83th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.