WaterVerge

Is Winslow, AR Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded A-, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

1K residents served 1 water system PWSID: AR0000332
Overall Score
88.9 / 100
Violations
3 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Purchased surface water
#113 of 345 in Arkansas Top 20% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
A-GRADE
Water Quality Grade
88.9/100
waterverge.com
A- 88.9/100

Winslow, AR — Water Quality Report

Winslow's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,433 residents using purchased surface 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 12 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Winslow's water

Winslow ranks #113 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, Winslow may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
88.9 out of 100 Grade A-
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
43.9/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
19/20
A
Lead at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
5/10
D
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
4/5
B
Water source: Purchased surface water.
Water Safety

Is Winslow, AR water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Winslow's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (88.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,433 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).

3
Active Violations
2.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
6 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Winslow

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Winslow's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.9/100).

Disaster
HURRICANE LAURA

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3541). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, TORNADOES, AND FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4460). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Winslow's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 2.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Winslow's water system has 12 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.

OtherMR
Most recent violations:
Jul 2017 Revised Total Coliform Rule Open
May 2015 Coliform (TCR) Resolved
Dec 2011 Coliform (TCR) Resolved
Jul 2004 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Oct 1999 Consumer Confidence Rule Resolved

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 Jones Creek At Winfrey, Frog Bayou At Winfrey, Jack Creek Near Winfrey.

HURRICANE LAURA
Hurricane FEMA DR-3541
SEVERE STORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, TORNADOES, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4460
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA DR-3215

Where does Winslow's water come from?

Winslow's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,433 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Jones Creek At Winfrey (river), Frog Bayou At Winfrey (river), Jack Creek Near Winfrey (river).

What Winslow residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Winslow's water.

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

Winslow'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
2.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 13% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

12
Total violations
0
Health-based
3
Active / unresolved
Jul 2017
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

12 Total
3 Active
0 Health-based
9 Resolved
Violations by category
Surface Water Treatment Rule
5
Total Coliform Rule
3
Consumer Confidence Rule
2
Revised Total Coliform Rule
1
Jul 2017 Active
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2004 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
May 2015 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved May 2015
Dec 2011 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2011
Oct 1999 Resolved
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation Resolved May 2000
May 1997 Resolved
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Other Violation Resolved May 1997
Dec 1996 Resolved
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Other Violation Resolved Dec 1996
Oct 1996 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Oct 1996
Oct 1996 Resolved
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Oct 1996
Oct 1996 Resolved
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Other Violation Resolved Oct 1996
Dec 1995 Resolved
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1995
Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D1 — moderate drought

Washington 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.

10.4%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
9
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

6
Declared disasters
Aug 2020
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

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.

Aug 2020
HURRICANE LAURA
Hurricane FEMA #3541
Sep 2019
SEVERE STORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, TORNADOES, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4460
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3215
Apr 1973
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #375
Jan 1972
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #321
Feb 1969
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #254

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 2.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has increased by 1.0 ppb from 1993 (1.0 ppb) to 2003 (2.0 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Purchased Surface Water
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
1,433
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Winslow's water comes from

Purchased Surface Water

Winslow'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 1,433 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Winslow

Winslow is located near 3 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.

Jones Creek At Winfrey
river
Frog Bayou At Winfrey
river
Jack Creek Near Winfrey
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Winslow

System Name PWSID Population Source
WINSLOW WATERWORKS AR0000332 1,433 SWP
Regional Comparison

How Winslow compares

Full Arkansas rankings →

Winslow's score of 88.9/100 is above the average of 75/100 among major Arkansas cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.

Winslow (this city)
88.9
Springdale
79.1
Fort Smith
45.5
Arkansas avg
75
City Profile

About Winslow, AR

Economic Profile
$43,036
Median Income
$109,280
Median Home Value
$540/mo
Median Rent
4.4%
Unemployment
Community
40.8
Median Age
73
People / sq mi
15.1%
College Educated
85%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Winslow, AR tap water safe to drink?

Winslow's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #113 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.

What contaminants are in Winslow's water?

Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 12 violations are on record.

How is Winslow'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 Winslow?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Winslow's water come from?

Winslow's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,433 residents.

How does Winslow's water compare to other cities?

Winslow ranks #113 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 67% of state cities) and #3175 out of 15744 cities nationally (80th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Winslow's small water system affect quality?

Winslow's system serves approximately 1,433 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.