Is Wilson, AR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
88.4/100
waterverge.com Wilson, AR — Water Quality Report
Wilson's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,336 residents using groundwater.
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 12 violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Wilson's water
Wilson ranks #127 out of 345 cities in Arkansas for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Wilson 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.
As a small community water system, Wilson may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Wilson, AR water safe to drink?
Wilson's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (88.4/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,336 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Wilson
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Wilson's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.4/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4873). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3541). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Wilson's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Wilson's water system has 12 total violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Mississippi County has experienced 5 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.
Where does Wilson's water come from?
Wilson's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,336 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Wilson 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.
Wilson'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 Wilson
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Wilson, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 24,230 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
VISKASE COS INC OSCEOLA, AR72370 | Ammonia | 23,474 | 8.3 mi |
ACTAGRO LLC OSCEOLA, AR72370 | Ammonia | 500 | 9.0 mi |
BIG RIVER STEEL LLC OSCEOLA, AR72370 | Zinc compounds | 144 | 8.0 mi |
PLUM POINT ENERGY STATION OSCEOLA, AR72370 | Barium And Barium Compounds | 112 | 8.9 mi |
ROEHM AMERICA LLC OSCEOLA, AR72370 | — | — | 9.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtMississippi 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
Mississippi County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1973. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Wilson's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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 |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.62 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Wilson compares by contaminant
Explore where Wilson ranks among all Arkansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Wilson's water comes from
Wilson'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 1,336 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Wilson
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WILSON WATER SYSTEM | AR0000370 | 1,336 | GW |
How Wilson compares
Full Arkansas rankings →Wilson's score of 88.4/100 is above the average of 75/100 among major Arkansas cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Arkansas rankings →About Wilson, AR
Wikipedia →Wilson is a city in Mississippi County, Arkansas, United States. The community is located in the Arkansas Delta and is surrounded by fertile cropland historically used to produce cotton. Wilson started as a company town in 1886 by Robert E. Lee Wilson, who would build a cotton empire and run it from the city. The Wilson Company would become so successful that all of the town's buildings were rebuilt in the Tudor Revival architectural style following Wilson's son's honeymoon to England in 1925. Wilson incorporated in 1959, becoming a town with public roads and municipal government. The extensive property holdings of the Lee Wilson and Company remained in the Wilson family until 2010. The community has seen a rapid decline in economic activity and population since the advent of mechanization on the farm, reducing the need for manual labor to produce cotton. The population was 766 at the 2020 census, down from 903 at the 2010 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Wilson's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Mississippi
Frequently asked questions
Is Wilson, AR tap water safe to drink?
Wilson's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #127 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.
What contaminants are in Wilson's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 12 violations are on record.
How is Wilson'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 Wilson?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Wilson's water come from?
Wilson's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,336 residents.
What health violations has Wilson's water system had?
Wilson has 8 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2011. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
Is Wilson's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Wilson 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 12 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 Wilson's water compare to other cities?
Wilson ranks #127 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 63% of state cities) and #3473 out of 15744 cities nationally (78th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Wilson's small water system affect quality?
Wilson's system serves approximately 1,336 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 12 violations on record.