Is Valley 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 ↓
84/100
waterverge.com Valley Springs, AR — Water Quality Report
Valley Springs's drinking water received a grade of B+ (84 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,400 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 3.0 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 22 violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Valley Springs's water
Valley Springs ranks #191 out of 345 cities in Arkansas for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Valley Springs, AR water safe to drink?
Valley Springs's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (84/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,400 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Valley Springs
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Valley Springs's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (84/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3541). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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 Valley Springs's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Valley Springs's water system has 22 total violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Boone County has experienced 6 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 Buffalo River At Pruitt.
Where does Valley Springs's water come from?
Valley Springs's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,400 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Buffalo River At Pruitt (river).
What Valley Springs residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Valley 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.
Valley 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 Valley Springs
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Valley Springs, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
PACE INDUSTRIES INC. HARRISON, AR72601 | — | — | 9.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D4 — exceptional droughtMarion County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 8.3% 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
Boone County has experienced 6 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. | 3.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Valley Springs compares by contaminant
Explore where Valley Springs ranks among all Arkansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Valley Springs's water comes from
Valley Springs's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 3,400 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Valley Springs
Valley Springs is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Valley Springs
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| VALLEY SPRINGS WATERWORKS | AR0000065 | 3,400 | SWP |
How Valley Springs compares
Full Arkansas rankings →Valley Springs's score of 84/100 is above the average of 75/100 among major Arkansas cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Arkansas rankings →About Valley Springs, AR
Wikipedia →Valley Springs is a town in Boone County, Arkansas, United States. The population was 183 at the 2020 census, up from 175 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Harrison Micropolitan Statistical Area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Valley Springs's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Marion
Frequently asked questions
Is Valley Springs, AR tap water safe to drink?
Valley Springs's water quality earned a grade of B+ (84/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #191 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.
What contaminants are in Valley Springs's water?
Lead was measured at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile). 22 violations are on record.
How is Valley 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 Valley Springs?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Valley Springs's water come from?
Valley Springs's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,400 residents.
What health violations has Valley Springs's water system had?
Valley Springs has 10 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 7 violations remain unresolved.
How does Valley Springs's water compare to other cities?
Valley Springs ranks #191 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 45% of state cities) and #6142 out of 15744 cities nationally (61th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.