Is Swifton, AR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C- — but Manganese was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
56.2/100
waterverge.com Swifton, AR — Water Quality Report
Swifton's drinking water received a grade of C- (56.2 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,013 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 31 violations on record, including 17 health-based violations. 22 remain unresolved.
What to know about Swifton's water
Swifton ranks #307 out of 345 cities in Arkansas for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Swifton 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, Swifton may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Swifton, AR water safe to drink?
Swifton's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C- (56.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,013 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Swifton
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Swifton's water quality assessment. Grade: C- (56.2/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4873). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3541). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Swifton's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Swifton's water system has 31 total violations on record, including 17 health-based violations. 22 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Jackson 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 Tuckerman Ditch At Tuckerman.
Where does Swifton's water come from?
Swifton's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,013 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Tuckerman Ditch At Tuckerman (river).
What Swifton residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Swifton'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.
Swifton'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 droughtJackson County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 92.2% 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
Jackson 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.
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 Swifton compares by contaminant
Explore where Swifton ranks among all Arkansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Swifton's water comes from
Swifton'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 1,013 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Swifton
Swifton is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Swifton
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SWIFTON WATERWORKS | AR0000265 | 1,013 | GW |
How Swifton compares
Full Arkansas rankings →Swifton's score of 56.2/100 is below the average of 75/100 among major Arkansas cities. It outscores 2 of 10 nearby cities. 8 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Arkansas rankings →About Swifton, AR
Wikipedia →Swifton is a city in Jackson County, Arkansas, United States. As of the 2020 census, Swifton had a population of 733. Swifton was the hometown of Baseball Hall of Famer George Kell.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Swifton's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Jackson
Frequently asked questions
Is Swifton, AR tap water safe to drink?
Swifton's water quality earned a grade of C- (56.2/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #307 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.
What contaminants are in Swifton's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 31 violations are on record.
How is Swifton'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 Swifton?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Swifton's water come from?
Swifton's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,013 residents.
What health violations has Swifton's water system had?
Swifton has 17 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in February 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 22 violations remain unresolved.
Is Swifton's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Swifton 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 31 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 Swifton's water compare to other cities?
Swifton ranks #307 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 11% of state cities) and #12475 out of 15744 cities nationally (21th percentile). The grade of C- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Swifton's small water system affect quality?
Swifton's system serves approximately 1,013 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 31 violations on record.