Is Wickes, 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 ↓
85.6/100
waterverge.com Wickes, AR — Water Quality Report
Wickes's drinking water received a grade of A- (85.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,014 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 16 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Wickes's water
Wickes ranks #169 out of 345 cities in Arkansas for water quality, placing it mid-range 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, Wickes may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Wickes, AR water safe to drink?
Wickes's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (85.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,014 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Wickes
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Wickes's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85.6/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3541). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3215). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Violation history
Wickes's water system has 16 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 5 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Polk County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1972. 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 Cossatot River Near Vandervoort.
Where does Wickes's water come from?
Wickes's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,014 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Cossatot River Near Vandervoort (river).
What Wickes residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Wickes'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.
Wickes'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 Wickes
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Wickes, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 212,284 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
TYSON POULTRY INC. - GRANNIS PROCESSING PLANT GRANNIS, AR71944 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 212,284 | 1.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtPolk 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
Polk County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1972. 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 Wickes compares by contaminant
Explore where Wickes ranks among all Arkansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Wickes's water comes from
Wickes'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 2,014 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Wickes
Wickes 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 Wickes
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WICKES WATERWORKS | AR0000440 | 2,014 | SWP |
How Wickes compares
Full Arkansas rankings →Wickes's score of 85.6/100 is above the average of 75/100 among major Arkansas cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Arkansas rankings →About Wickes, AR
Wikipedia →Wickes is a city in Polk County, Arkansas, United States. The population was 637 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Wickes's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Polk
Frequently asked questions
Is Wickes, AR tap water safe to drink?
Wickes's water quality earned a grade of A- (85.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #169 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.
What contaminants are in Wickes's water?
16 violations are on record.
How is Wickes'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 Wickes?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Wickes's water come from?
Wickes's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,014 residents.
What health violations has Wickes's water system had?
Wickes has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2019. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 5 violations remain unresolved.
How does Wickes's water compare to other cities?
Wickes ranks #169 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 51% of state cities) and #5218 out of 15744 cities nationally (67th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Wickes's small water system affect quality?
Wickes's system serves approximately 2,014 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 16 violations on record.