Is Tillar, AR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 7 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
87.7/100
waterverge.com Tillar, AR — Water Quality Report
Tillar's drinking water received a grade of A- (87.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 535 residents using purchased ground water.
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 30 violations on record, including 12 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Tillar's water
Tillar ranks #142 out of 345 cities in Arkansas for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Tillar purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
As a small community water system, Tillar may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Tillar, AR water safe to drink?
Tillar's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (87.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 535 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Tillar
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Tillar's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87.7/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3541). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1793). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Tillar's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Tillar's water system has 30 total violations on record, including 12 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Drew County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1973. 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 Bayou Bartholomew Near Mcgehee.
Where does Tillar's water come from?
Tillar's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 535 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Bayou Bartholomew Near Mcgehee (river).
What Tillar residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Tillar'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.
Tillar'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 Tillar
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Tillar, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
TIMBER PRODUCERS SELMA SAWMILL DIV LLC TILLAR, AR71670 | — | — | 7.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D4 — exceptional droughtDrew County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 49.0% 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
Drew County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1973. 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 Tillar compares by contaminant
Explore where Tillar ranks among all Arkansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Tillar's water comes from
Tillar purchases its water supply from a regional wholesale provider rather than treating raw water directly.
Water quality depends on both the wholesaler's treatment standards and the condition of Tillar's local distribution pipes and storage facilities.
Purchased water systems are common in suburban areas and smaller communities that lack the infrastructure for independent treatment.
The system is operated by private ownership and serves approximately 535 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Tillar
Tillar is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Tillar
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WKMM RURAL WATER ASSOCIATION | AR0000700 | 310 | GWP |
| TILLAR WATERWORKS | AR0000186 | 225 | GW |
How Tillar compares
Full Arkansas rankings →Tillar's score of 87.7/100 is above the average of 75/100 among major Arkansas cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Arkansas rankings →About Tillar, AR
Wikipedia →Tillar is a town in Desha and Drew counties in the U.S. state of Arkansas. The population was 225 at the 2010 census. The area west of it was known as Tillar Station. Frank Tillar Memorial Methodist Episcopal Church, South is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Tillar's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Desha
Frequently asked questions
Is Tillar, AR tap water safe to drink?
Tillar's water quality earned a grade of A- (87.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #142 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.
What contaminants are in Tillar's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 30 violations are on record.
How is Tillar'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 Tillar?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Tillar's water come from?
Tillar's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 535 residents.
What health violations has Tillar's water system had?
Tillar has 12 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2013. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 7 violations remain unresolved.
Is Tillar's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Tillar 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 30 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 Tillar's water compare to other cities?
Tillar ranks #142 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 59% of state cities) and #3910 out of 15744 cities nationally (75th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.