WaterVerge

Is Warren, AR Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded A, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

8K residents served 4 water systems PWSID: AR0000066
Overall Score
90.5 / 100
Violations
5 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#86 of 345 in Arkansas Top 14% nationally
Local Government
High data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
AGRADE
Water Quality Grade
90.5/100
waterverge.com
A 90.5/100

Warren, AR — Water Quality Report

Warren's drinking water received a grade of A (90.5 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 7,962 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. UCMR 5 testing detected 1 PFAS compound in the water supply.

The system has 13 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.

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

What to know about Warren's water

Warren ranks #86 out of 345 cities in Arkansas for water quality, placing it above average in the state.

Warren 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.

PFAS compounds were detected in testing, though levels remain within current EPA limits. Residents seeking extra precaution may consider an activated carbon or reverse osmosis filter.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
90.5 out of 100 Grade A
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
42.3/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
18.2/20
A
1 PFAS compound detected.
Compliance
5/10
D
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Warren, AR water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Warren's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A (90.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 7,962 residents using groundwater (wells).

5
Active Violations
3.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
1 compound
PFAS Detected
6 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Warren

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

PFAS
1 PFAS "forever chemical" compound detected

Detected at levels within current EPA limits. PFAS persist indefinitely in the environment.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Warren's water quality assessment. Grade: A (90.5/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.

Disaster
HURRICANE LAURA

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3541). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Warren's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 3.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

PFAS (1 compound) Elevated
Detected: Highest: lithium at 11.0000 µg/L Limit: 0.004 µg/L (EPA MCL)

Detected but within current EPA limits. PFAS do not break down in the environment and can accumulate in the body over time. An activated carbon filter can reduce exposure.

Violation history

Warren's water system has 13 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.

MONMRTTMCL
Most recent violations:
Jul 2025 Revised Total Coliform Rule Resolved
Feb 2010 Coliform (TCR) Resolved
Dec 2008 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Jan 2007 Coliform (TCR) Resolved
Jul 2006 Lead and Copper Rule Open

Flood & environmental risk

Bradley 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. Local water sources include Saline River Near Rye.

HURRICANE LAURA
Hurricane FEMA DR-3541
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING ASSOCIATED WITH HURRICANE GUSTAV
Hurricane FEMA DR-1793
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA DR-3215

Where does Warren's water come from?

Warren's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 7,962 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Saline River Near Rye (river).

What Warren residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: Activated carbon or reverse osmosis filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Warren'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

Warren'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
3.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 20% of limit
Safe Level
lithium
PFAS / Forever Chemical
Near MCL
11.0000 µg/L
EPA MCL: 0.004 µg/L · +20% over limit
Detected
Strontium
Inorganic
Detected
220.0 µg/L
EPA Health Ref Level: 1,500 µg/L · 15% of limit
DetectedUCMR 3 Data
Lithium
Inorganic
Detected
11.0 µg/L
State screening level: 60 µg/L · 18% of limit
DetectedNo federal MCLUCMR 5 Data (2023–2025)
PFAS Testing

Forever chemicals overview

National PFAS report →
30
Compounds tested
1
Detected
0
Exceed EPA MCL
Compliance Record

Violation summary

13
Total violations
4
Health-based
5
Active / unresolved
Jul 2025
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

13 Total
5 Active
4 Health-based
8 Resolved
Violations by category
Total Coliform Rule
5
Lead and Copper Rule
4
Revised Total Coliform Rule
1
Surface Water Treatment Rule
1
Dec 2008 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Jul 2006 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jan 2006 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Jul 2025 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved Jul 2025
Feb 2010 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Feb 2010
Jan 2007 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Jan 2007
Jan 2006 Resolved
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2008
Oct 2004 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Oct 2004
Sep 2004 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2004
Sep 2004 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Sep 2004
Sep 1994 Resolved
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health Resolved Sep 1994
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Warren

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Warren, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
POTLATCHDELTIC LAND & LUMBER LLC
Wood Products · POTLATCHDELTIC CORP
WARREN, AR71671
0.8 mi
AHF PRODUCTS - WITT PLANT
Wood Products · AHF PRODUCTS LLC
WARREN, AR71671
1.7 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D4 — exceptional drought

Bradley County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 65.1% 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.

14
Weeks at D2+ (current streak)
12.2%
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
Aug 2020
Most recent
Hurricane
Most common type

Bradley 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.

Aug 2020
HURRICANE LAURA
Hurricane FEMA #3541
Sep 2008
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING ASSOCIATED WITH HURRICANE GUSTAV
Hurricane FEMA #1793
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3215
Apr 1997
FLOODING, SEVERE STORMS
Flood FEMA #1176
May 1991
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #907
Apr 1973
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #375

Recommended water filters

Based on contaminants detected in Warren's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.

🧪
For PFAS
Reverse Osmosis or Activated Carbon Block
1 PFAS compound detected

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 3.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
11Cl-PF3OUdS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
4:2 FTS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
6:2 FTS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
8:2 FTS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
9Cl-PF3ONS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
ADONA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
HFPO-DA ND 0.01 µg/L PFAS Not Detected
lithium 11.000 HI µg/L PFAS Detected
NEtFOSAA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
NFDHA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
NMeFOSAA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFBA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFBS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFDA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFDoA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFEESA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFHpA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFHpS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFHxA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFHxS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFMBA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFMPA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFNA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFOA ND 0.004 µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFOS ND 0.004 µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFPeA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFPeS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFTA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFTrDA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFUnA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 2.0 ppb from 1992 (5.0 ppb) to 2025 (3.0 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
7,962
Water Systems
4
Source breakdown
Purchased Groundwater
3
Groundwater
1
Water Source

Where Warren's water comes from

Groundwater

Warren'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 7,962 people through 4 water systems.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Warren

Warren is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Saline River Near Rye
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Warren

System Name PWSID Population Source
WARREN WATERWORKS AR0000066 6,001 GW
BRADLEY CO RURAL WATER ASSOCIATION AR0000054 1,163 GWP
SW WARREN WATER ASSOCIATION AR0000852 765 GWP
CORINTH VALLEY WATER SYSTEM AR0000927 33 GWP
Regional Comparison

How Warren compares

Full Arkansas rankings →

Warren's score of 90.5/100 is above the average of 75/100 among major Arkansas cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.

Warren (this city)
90.5
Springdale
79.1
Fort Smith
45.5
Arkansas avg
75
City Profile

About Warren, AR

Economic Profile
$39,222
Median Income
$80,762
Median Home Value
$664/mo
Median Rent
4.4%
Unemployment
Community
38
Median Age
297
People / sq mi
10.6%
College Educated
48.9%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Warren, AR tap water safe to drink?

Warren's water quality earned a grade of A (90.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #86 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.

What contaminants are in Warren's water?

Lead was measured at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile). 1 PFAS compound was detected. 13 violations are on record.

How is Warren'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 Warren?

PFAS compounds have been detected. A filter with activated carbon can help reduce exposure.

Where does Warren's water come from?

Warren's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 7,962 residents.

What health violations has Warren's water system had?

Warren has 4 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. 5 violations remain unresolved.

Is Warren's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Warren 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 13 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 Warren's water compare to other cities?

Warren ranks #86 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 75% of state cities) and #2167 out of 15744 cities nationally (86th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.