Is Wheatley, 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 ↓
83.2/100
waterverge.com Wheatley, AR — Water Quality Report
Wheatley's drinking water received a grade of B+ (83.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 573 residents using purchased ground water.
Lead levels were measured at 2.0 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 21 violations on record, including 13 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Wheatley's water
Wheatley ranks #201 out of 345 cities in Arkansas for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Wheatley purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
As a small community water system, Wheatley may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Wheatley, AR water safe to drink?
Wheatley's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (83.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 573 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Wheatley
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Wheatley's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (83.2/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4873). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3541). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Wheatley's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Wheatley's water system has 21 total violations on record, including 13 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
St. Francis 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 Bayou Deview Near Brinkley.
Where does Wheatley's water come from?
Wheatley's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 573 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Bayou Deview Near Brinkley (river).
What Wheatley residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Wheatley'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.
Wheatley'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
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtSaint Francis 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
St. Francis 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
| 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. | 2.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Wheatley compares by contaminant
Explore where Wheatley ranks among all Arkansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Wheatley's water comes from
Wheatley purchases its water supply from a regional wholesale provider rather than treating raw water directly.
Water quality depends on both the wholesaler's treatment standards and the condition of Wheatley's local distribution pipes and storage facilities.
Purchased water systems are common in suburban areas and smaller communities that lack the infrastructure for independent treatment.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 573 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Wheatley
Wheatley is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Wheatley
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WHEATLEY WATERWORKS | AR0000535 | 573 | GWP |
How Wheatley compares
Full Arkansas rankings →Wheatley's score of 83.2/100 is above the average of 75/100 among major Arkansas cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Arkansas rankings →About Wheatley, AR
Wikipedia →Wheatley is a town in southwest St. Francis County, Arkansas, United States. The population was 279 at the 2020 census, down from 355 in 2010.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Wheatley's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across St. Francis
Frequently asked questions
Is Wheatley, AR tap water safe to drink?
Wheatley's water quality earned a grade of B+ (83.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #201 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.
What contaminants are in Wheatley's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 21 violations are on record.
How is Wheatley'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 Wheatley?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Wheatley's water come from?
Wheatley's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 573 residents.
What health violations has Wheatley's water system had?
Wheatley has 13 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in February 2022. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 7 violations remain unresolved.
Is Wheatley's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Wheatley 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 21 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 Wheatley's water compare to other cities?
Wheatley ranks #201 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 42% of state cities) and #6570 out of 15744 cities nationally (58th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Wheatley's small water system affect quality?
Wheatley's system serves approximately 573 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 21 violations on record.