Is Western Grove, 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 ↓
79.6/100
waterverge.com Western Grove, AR — Water Quality Report
Western Grove's drinking water received a grade of B (79.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 900 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead data is not currently available for this system. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 11 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Western Grove's water
Western Grove ranks #230 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.
As a small community water system, Western Grove may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Western Grove, AR water safe to drink?
Western Grove's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (79.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 900 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Western Grove
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Western Grove's water quality assessment. Grade: B (79.6/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4873). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3541). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Violation history
Western Grove's water system has 11 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Newton County has experienced 7 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 Carver Access Nr Hasty.
Where does Western Grove's water come from?
Western Grove's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 900 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 Carver Access Nr Hasty (river).
What Western Grove residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Western Grove'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.
Western Grove'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.
Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Western Grove
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Western Grove, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 5 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
LAYTON'S OZARK TIMBER SAWMILL & FENCING LLC SAINT JOE, AR72675 | Copper compounds | 5 | 9.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtNewton 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
Newton County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1969. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Full contaminants report
No contaminant data available for this city.
See how Western Grove compares by contaminant
Explore where Western Grove ranks among all Arkansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Western Grove's water comes from
Western Grove'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 900 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Western Grove
Western Grove 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 Western Grove
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WESTERN GROVE MUNICIPAL WATER | AR0000400 | 900 | SWP |
How Western Grove compares
Full Arkansas rankings →Western Grove's score of 79.6/100 is on par with the average of 75/100 among major Arkansas cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Arkansas rankings →About Western Grove, AR
Wikipedia →Western Grove is a town in northeastern Newton County, Arkansas, United States. As of the 2020 census, Western Grove had a population of 354. It is part of the Harrison Micropolitan Statistical Area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Western Grove's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Newton
Frequently asked questions
Is Western Grove, AR tap water safe to drink?
Western Grove's water quality earned a grade of B (79.6/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #230 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.
What contaminants are in Western Grove's water?
11 violations are on record.
How is Western Grove'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 Western Grove?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Western Grove's water come from?
Western Grove's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 900 residents.
How does Western Grove's water compare to other cities?
Western Grove ranks #230 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 33% of state cities) and #8211 out of 15744 cities nationally (48th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Western Grove's small water system affect quality?
Western Grove's system serves approximately 900 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 11 violations on record.