Is Sulphur Springs, AR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 7 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
83.6/100
waterverge.com Sulphur Springs, AR — Water Quality Report
Sulphur Springs's drinking water received a grade of B+ (83.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 580 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 7.0 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 18 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Sulphur Springs's water
Sulphur Springs ranks #196 out of 345 cities in Arkansas for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Sulphur Springs 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.
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, Sulphur Springs may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Sulphur Springs, AR water safe to drink?
Sulphur Springs's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (83.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 580 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Sulphur Springs
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Sulphur Springs's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (83.6/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3541). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
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 Sulphur Springs'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
Sulphur Springs's water system has 18 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Benton 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 Little Sugar Creek Near Pineville, Indian Creek Near Lanagan, Spavinaw Creek Near Maysville, Spavinaw Creek Near Cherokee City.
Where does Sulphur Springs's water come from?
Sulphur Springs's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 580 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Little Sugar Creek Near Pineville (river), Indian Creek Near Lanagan (river), Spavinaw Creek Near Maysville (river), Spavinaw Creek Near Cherokee City (river).
What Sulphur Springs residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Sulphur Springs'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.
Sulphur Springs'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 Springs
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Sulphur Springs, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 24,646 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
SIMMONS FOODS SOUTH WEST CITY, MO64863 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 24,646 | 8.6 mi |
SIMMONS-DECATUR FEEDMIL DECATUR, AR72722 | — | — | 9.3 mi |
TYSON CHICKEN INC. - NOEL COMPLEX NOEL, MO64854 | — | — | 5.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtBenton County is currently in D1 (moderate 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
Benton 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Sulphur Springs'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. | 7.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Sulphur Springs compares by contaminant
Explore where Sulphur Springs ranks among all Arkansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Sulphur Springs's water comes from
Sulphur Springs'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 580 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Sulphur Springs
Sulphur Springs is located near 4 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Sulphur Springs
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SULPHUR SPRINGS WATERWORKS | AR0000057 | 580 | GW |
How Sulphur Springs compares
Full Arkansas rankings →Sulphur Springs's score of 83.6/100 is above the average of 75/100 among major Arkansas cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Arkansas rankings →About Sulphur Springs, AR
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Sulphur Springs's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Benton
Frequently asked questions
Is Sulphur Springs, AR tap water safe to drink?
Sulphur Springs's water quality earned a grade of B+ (83.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #196 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.
What contaminants are in Sulphur Springs's water?
Lead was measured at 7.0 ppb (90th percentile). 18 violations are on record.
How is Sulphur Springs'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 Springs?
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 Sulphur Springs's water come from?
Sulphur Springs's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 580 residents.
What health violations has Sulphur Springs's water system had?
Sulphur Springs has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2021. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 7 violations remain unresolved.
Is Sulphur Springs's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Sulphur Springs 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 18 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 Springs's water compare to other cities?
Sulphur Springs ranks #196 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 43% of state cities) and #6358 out of 15744 cities nationally (60th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Sulphur Springs's small water system affect quality?
Sulphur Springs's system serves approximately 580 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 18 violations on record.