Is Sulphur Rock, AR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A+ with no contaminants above EPA limits. Here's everything we tested and how Sulphur Rock ranks. What to do next ↓
96.7/100
waterverge.com Sulphur Rock, AR — Water Quality Report
Sulphur Rock's drinking water received a grade of A+ (96.7 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,462 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 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 4 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. All violations have been resolved.
What to know about Sulphur Rock's water
Sulphur Rock ranks #8 out of 345 cities in Arkansas for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Sulphur Rock 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 Sulphur Rock, AR water safe to drink?
Based on EPA testing data, Sulphur Rock's tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of A+ (96.7/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,462 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Sulphur Rock
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Sulphur Rock's water quality assessment. Grade: A+ (96.7/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3541). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3215). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Sulphur Rock's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Sulphur Rock's water system has 4 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. All violations have been resolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Independence County has experienced 5 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 White River At Batesville.
Where does Sulphur Rock's water come from?
Sulphur Rock's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,462 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include White River At Batesville (river).
What Sulphur Rock 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.
Sulphur Rock'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 Sulphur Rock
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Sulphur Rock, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 4,085 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
FUTUREFUEL CHEMICAL CO BATESVILLE, AR72501 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 3,740 | 2.5 mi |
INDEPENDENCE STEAM ELECTRIC STATION NEWARK, AR72562 | Copper And Copper Compounds | 312 | 6.4 mi |
OZARK MOUNTAIN POULTRY BATESVILLE PROCESSING BATESVILLE, AR72501 | Ammonia | 33 | 7.9 mi |
LACROIX PRECISION OPTICS BATESVILLE, AR72501 | — | — | 7.4 mi |
PECO FOODS INC - BATESVILLE PROCESSING BATESVILLE, AR72501 | — | — | 8.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D4 — exceptional droughtIndependence County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 92.1% 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
Independence County has experienced 5 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. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Sulphur Rock compares by contaminant
Explore where Sulphur Rock ranks among all Arkansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Sulphur Rock's water comes from
Sulphur Rock'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 3,462 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Sulphur Rock
Sulphur Rock is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Sulphur Rock
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ROCK MOORE WATER AUTHORITY | AR0000252 | 3,462 | GW |
How Sulphur Rock compares
Full Arkansas rankings →Sulphur Rock's score of 96.7/100 is above the average of 75/100 among major Arkansas cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Arkansas rankings →About Sulphur Rock, AR
Wikipedia →Sulphur Rock is a town in Independence County, Arkansas, United States. As of the 2020 census, Sulphur Rock had a population of 609.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Sulphur Rock's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Independence
Frequently asked questions
Is Sulphur Rock, AR tap water safe to drink?
Sulphur Rock's water quality earned a grade of A+ (96.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #8 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.
What contaminants are in Sulphur Rock's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 4 violations are on record.
How is Sulphur Rock'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 Sulphur Rock?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Sulphur Rock's water come from?
Sulphur Rock's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,462 residents.
What health violations has Sulphur Rock's water system had?
Sulphur Rock has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2008. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. All health violations have been resolved.
Is Sulphur Rock's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Sulphur Rock 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 4 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 Sulphur Rock's water compare to other cities?
Sulphur Rock ranks #8 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 98% of state cities) and #158 out of 15744 cities nationally (99th percentile). The grade of A+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.