Is West Fork, AR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
92.4/100
waterverge.com West Fork, AR — Water Quality Report
West Fork's drinking water received a grade of A (92.4 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,178 residents using purchased surface 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 5 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about West Fork's water
West Fork ranks #57 out of 345 cities in Arkansas for water quality, placing it above 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.
As a small community water system, West Fork may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is West Fork, AR water safe to drink?
West Fork's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (92.4/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,178 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for West Fork
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into West Fork's water quality assessment. Grade: A (92.4/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3541). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4460). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for West Fork's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
West Fork's water system has 5 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Washington 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 Town Br. At S Morningside At Fayetteville, West Fork White River East Of Fayetteville, White River Near Fayetteville.
Where does West Fork's water come from?
West Fork's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,178 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Town Br. At S Morningside At Fayetteville (river), West Fork White River East Of Fayetteville (river), White River Near Fayetteville (river).
What West Fork residents can do
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.
West Fork'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 West Fork
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near West Fork, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 3 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ELKHART PRODUCTS CORP FAYETTEVILLE, AR72701 | Copper | 3 | 6.3 mi |
CONAGRA FOODS PACKAGED FOODS LLC FAYETTEVILLE, AR72701 | — | — | 7.9 mi |
KEYTRONIC - FAYETTEVILLE FAYETTEVILLE, AR72701 | — | — | 5.8 mi |
MARSHALLTOWN CO FAYETTEVILLE, AR72701 | — | — | 7.5 mi |
DELTA GROUP ELECTRONICS INC FAYETTEVILLE, AR72704 | — | — | 9.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtWashington County is currently in D1 (moderate 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
Washington 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. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how West Fork compares by contaminant
Explore where West Fork ranks among all Arkansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where West Fork's water comes from
West Fork'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 3,178 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near West Fork
West Fork is located near 3 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving West Fork
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WEST FORK WATERWORKS | AR0000577 | 3,178 | SWP |
How West Fork compares
Full Arkansas rankings →West Fork's score of 92.4/100 is above the average of 75/100 among major Arkansas cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Arkansas rankings →About West Fork, AR
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to West Fork's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Washington
Frequently asked questions
Is West Fork, AR tap water safe to drink?
West Fork's water quality earned a grade of A (92.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #57 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.
What contaminants are in West Fork's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 5 violations are on record.
How is West Fork'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 West Fork?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does West Fork's water come from?
West Fork's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,178 residents.
How does West Fork's water compare to other cities?
West Fork ranks #57 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 83% of state cities) and #1249 out of 15744 cities nationally (92th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does West Fork's small water system affect quality?
West Fork's system serves approximately 3,178 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 5 violations on record.