WaterVerge

Is Turrell, AR Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded C-, with 36 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

1K residents served 2 water systems PWSID: AR0000175
Overall Score
59.7 / 100
Violations
36 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Purchased ground water
#300 of 345 in Arkansas Top 77% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
C-GRADE
Water Quality Grade
59.7/100
waterverge.com
C- 59.7/100

Turrell, AR — Water Quality Report

Turrell's drinking water received a grade of C- (59.7 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,260 residents using purchased ground water.

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 65 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 36 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Turrell's water

Turrell ranks #300 out of 345 cities in Arkansas for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.

Turrell 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, Turrell may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

The system has seen 15 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
59.7 out of 100 Grade C-
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
15.7/45
F
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
19/20
A
Lead at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
3/10
F
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Purchased ground water.
Water Safety

Is Turrell, AR water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Turrell's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C- (59.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,260 residents using groundwater (wells).

36
Active Violations
1.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
6 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Turrell

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Turrell's water quality assessment. Grade: C- (59.7/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES, AND FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4873). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Public Notice.

Disaster
HURRICANE LAURA

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 Turrell's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 1.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Turrell's water system has 65 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 36 remain unresolved. 15 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

OtherMONMRRPTTTMCL
Most recent violations:
Jul 2025 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Jun 2025 Revised Total Coliform Rule Resolved
Jan 2025 Public Notice Open
Nov 2024 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Oct 2024 Revised Total Coliform Rule Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Crittenden County has experienced 6 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.

SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4873
HURRICANE LAURA
Hurricane FEMA DR-3541
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA DR-3215

Where does Turrell's water come from?

Turrell's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,260 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.

What Turrell residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Turrell's water.

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

Turrell'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
1.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 7% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

65
Total violations
6
Health-based
36
Active / unresolved
Jul 2025
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

65 Total
36 Active
6 Health-based
29 Resolved
Violations by category
Total Coliform Rule
18
Revised Total Coliform Rule
17
Consumer Confidence Rule
11
Public Notice Rule and Revised PN Rule
8
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
6
Jul 2025 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jan 2025 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Nov 2024 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Oct 2024 Active
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Reporting
Reporting 0
Oct 2024 Active
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Jan 2024 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 2023 Active
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Reporting
Reporting 0
Sep 2023 Active
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Reporting
Reporting 0
Aug 2023 Active
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Reporting
Reporting 0
Aug 2021 Active
E. COLI
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2021 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Dec 2020 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jul 2020 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2020 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 2019 Active
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Reporting
Reporting 0
May 2019 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
May 2019 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Apr 2019 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Mar 2019 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jul 2018 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Showing 20 of 65 violations
Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D3 — extreme drought

Crittenden 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.

14
Weeks at D2+ (current streak)
11.3%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
14
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

6
Declared disasters
May 2025
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Crittenden County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1973. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

May 2025
SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4873
Aug 2020
HURRICANE LAURA
Hurricane FEMA #3541
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3215
Dec 1987
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #807
May 1973
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #389
Apr 1973
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #375

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 1.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has increased by 1.0 ppb from 1993 (3.0 ppb) to 2003 (4.0 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Purchased Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
1,260
Water Systems
2
Source breakdown
Purchased Groundwater
1
Groundwater
1
Water Source

Where Turrell's water comes from

Purchased Groundwater

Turrell 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 Turrell'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 local government ownership and serves approximately 1,260 people through 2 water systems.

Infrastructure

Water systems serving Turrell

System Name PWSID Population Source
NORTHERN OHIO WATER ASSOC AR0000175 720 GWP
TURRELL WATER WORKS AR0000155 540 GW
Regional Comparison

How Turrell compares

Full Arkansas rankings →

Turrell's score of 59.7/100 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.

Turrell (this city)
59.7
Springdale
79.1
Fort Smith
45.5
Arkansas avg
75
City Profile

About Turrell, AR

Wikipedia →

Turrell is a city in Crittenden County, Arkansas, United States. Per the 2020 census, the population was 517.

Economic Profile
$36,111
Median Income
$56,640
Median Home Value
$750/mo
Median Rent
29.2%
Unemployment
Community
35.2
Median Age
35
People / sq mi
8.1%
College Educated
52.6%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Turrell, AR tap water safe to drink?

Turrell's water quality earned a grade of C- (59.7/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #300 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.

What contaminants are in Turrell's water?

Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 65 violations are on record.

How is Turrell'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 Turrell?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Turrell's water come from?

Turrell's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,260 residents.

What health violations has Turrell's water system had?

Turrell has 6 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 36 violations remain unresolved.

Is Turrell's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Turrell 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 65 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 Turrell's water compare to other cities?

Turrell ranks #300 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 13% of state cities) and #12151 out of 15744 cities nationally (23th percentile). The grade of C- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.