Is Yellville, AR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
83.5/100
waterverge.com Yellville, AR — Water Quality Report
Yellville's drinking water received a grade of B+ (83.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,630 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 8.0 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 27 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Yellville's water
Yellville ranks #197 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Yellville may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Yellville, AR water safe to drink?
Yellville's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (83.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,630 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Yellville
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Yellville's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (83.5/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4873). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3541). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Yellville's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Yellville's water system has 27 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Marion 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 White River At Bull Shoals Dam Near Flippin, White River Below Bull Shoals Dam At Bull Shoals, White River Below Bull Shoals Dam Near Fairview, Crooked Creek At Kelly Crossing At Yellville.
Where does Yellville's water come from?
Yellville's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,630 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include White River At Bull Shoals Dam Near Flippin (river), White River Below Bull Shoals Dam At Bull Shoals (river), White River Below Bull Shoals Dam Near Fairview (river), Crooked Creek At Kelly Crossing At Yellville (river).
What Yellville residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Yellville'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Yellville'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 Yellville
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Yellville, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
RANGER BOATS FLIPPIN, AR72634 | — | — | 7.7 mi |
ADVANCED MARINE PERFORMANCE LLC. FLIPPIN, AR72634 | — | — | 5.3 mi |
BUTTERBALL LLC - YELLVILLE FEED MILL YELLVILLE, AR72687 | — | — | 2.9 mi |
ROYAL OAK ENTERPRISES-SNOW YELLVILLE, AR72687 | — | — | 6.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D4 — exceptional droughtMarion County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 8.3% of the county is in D4 (exceptional) drought. 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
Marion 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Yellville'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. | 8.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Yellville compares by contaminant
Explore where Yellville ranks among all Arkansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Yellville's water comes from
Yellville'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 2,630 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Yellville
Yellville is located near 4 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Yellville
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| YELLVILLE WATERWORKS | AR0000356 | 2,630 | SWP |
How Yellville compares
Full Arkansas rankings →Yellville's score of 83.5/100 is above the average of 75/100 among major Arkansas cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Arkansas rankings →About Yellville, AR
Wikipedia →Yellville is a city in and the county seat of Marion County, Arkansas, United States. Yellville is located in the Ozark Mountains along the banks of Crooked Creek, and neighbors the small town of Summit to the north. The population was 1,178 at the 2020 census. The town's original name is preserved in the Shawnee Town Branch, a local creek. The town holds an annual Turkey Trot Festival. The area's history includes mining and timber industries.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Yellville's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Marion
Frequently asked questions
Is Yellville, AR tap water safe to drink?
Yellville's water quality earned a grade of B+ (83.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #197 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.
What contaminants are in Yellville's water?
Lead was measured at 8.0 ppb (90th percentile). 27 violations are on record.
How is Yellville'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 Yellville?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Yellville's water come from?
Yellville's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,630 residents.
What health violations has Yellville's water system had?
Yellville has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in February 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 5 violations remain unresolved.
How does Yellville's water compare to other cities?
Yellville ranks #197 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 43% of state cities) and #6398 out of 15744 cities nationally (59th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Yellville's small water system affect quality?
Yellville's system serves approximately 2,630 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 27 violations on record.