Is Waldo, AR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
48/100
waterverge.com Waldo, AR — Water Quality Report
Waldo's drinking water received a grade of D (48 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,506 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 4.0 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 48 violations on record, including 41 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Waldo's water
Waldo ranks #318 out of 345 cities in Arkansas for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated 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.
The system has seen 17 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Waldo, AR water safe to drink?
Waldo's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (48/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,506 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Waldo
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Waldo's water quality assessment. Grade: D (48/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
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 Waldo's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Waldo's water system has 48 total violations on record, including 41 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 17 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Columbia County has experienced 7 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.
Where does Waldo's water come from?
Waldo's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 3,506 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Waldo residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Waldo'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.
Waldo'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 Waldo
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Waldo, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 1 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
POTLATCHDELTIC MANUFACTURING LLC - WALDO MILL WALDO, AR71770 | Lead | 1 | 1.9 mi |
CMC STEEL FABRICATORS INC. DBA CMC STEEL ARKANSAS MAGNOLIA, AR71753 | Lead compounds | 0 | 6.2 mi |
AMERICAN FUEL CELLS & COATED FABRICS (AMFUEL) MAGNOLIA, AR71753 | — | — | 5.8 mi |
SOLIMIDE FOAMS MAGNOLIA, AR71753 | — | — | 6.5 mi |
ALBEMARLE CORP WEST PLANT MAGNOLIA, AR71753 | — | — | 6.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtColumbia 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.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Columbia County has experienced 7 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. | 4.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Waldo compares by contaminant
Explore where Waldo ranks among all Arkansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Waldo's water comes from
Waldo'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 private ownership and serves approximately 3,506 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Waldo
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LAKESIDE WATER ASSOCIATION | AR0000822 | 1,876 | SWP |
| WALDO WATERWORKS | AR0000112 | 1,630 | GW |
How Waldo compares
Full Arkansas rankings →Waldo's score of 48/100 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 Waldo, AR
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Waldo's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Columbia
Frequently asked questions
Is Waldo, AR tap water safe to drink?
Waldo's water quality earned a grade of D (48/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #318 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.
What contaminants are in Waldo's water?
Lead was measured at 4.0 ppb (90th percentile). 48 violations are on record.
How is Waldo'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 Waldo?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Waldo's water come from?
Waldo's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 3,506 residents.
What health violations has Waldo's water system had?
Waldo has 41 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
How does Waldo's water compare to other cities?
Waldo ranks #318 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 8% of state cities) and #13520 out of 15744 cities nationally (14th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.