Copper Contamination

Copper in Arkansas Drinking Water

Ranked by 90th percentile copper level (mg/L) · Data from EPA SDWIS & UCMR

Cities Tested

Exceeds Limit

100%

% Exceeds Limit

2.808 mg/L

State Avg

▼ 0% vs national

vs National

311

Health Violations

Analysis

Copper in Arkansas: what the data shows

Arkansas has 44 cities with copper monitoring data. The state average 90th percentile copper level is 2.808 mg/L, compared to 28.808 mg/L nationally — better than the national average. 44 cities exceed the EPA action level of 1.3 mg/L. Copper in drinking water typically comes from corrosion of copper pipes and plumbing fixtures, particularly in older homes. The EPA action level of 1.3 mg/L is the 90th percentile threshold — if more than 10% of tap samples exceed it, utilities must take corrective action including adjusting water chemistry to reduce corrosivity. Short-term copper exposure above the action level can cause gastrointestinal distress. Long-term exposure at elevated levels is associated with liver and kidney damage. Flushing your tap for 30 seconds before use and using an NSF 53-certified filter can reduce copper exposure.

Comparison

Cities exceeding 1.3 mg/L EPA Action Level

Arkansas

100%

44 of 44 cities

← = Exactly at national rate

National avg

100%

3953 of 3953 cities

City Map

Copper data across Arkansas

Each dot is a city, colored by overall water quality grade. Cities with copper levels above the 1.3 mg/L EPA action level are highlighted. Size reflects population served.

Worst Offenders

Top 10 cities by copper level in Arkansas

Highest Copper levels (mg/L)

All Cities

All Arkansas cities ranked by copper level

#	City	Level	Exceeds?	Violations	Grade
1	Pottsville	41.000 mg/L	Yes	1	B+
2	Walcott	4.450 mg/L	Yes	3	A
3	Prattsville	4.300 mg/L	Yes	2	A-
4	Pangburn	3.900 mg/L	Yes	28	C-
5	Bradford	3.560 mg/L	Yes	11	C-
6	Ward	2.530 mg/L	Yes	3	C+
7	Leola	2.450 mg/L	Yes	3	B-
8	Hickory Ridge	2.420 mg/L	Yes	14	B
9	Lockesburg	2.320 mg/L	Yes	11	B
10	Newark	2.000 mg/L	Yes	2	A-
11	Holly Grove	1.900 mg/L	Yes	12	B-
12	Mount Ida	1.890 mg/L	Yes	127	F
13	Malvern	1.860 mg/L	Yes	19	B+
14	Roland	1.830 mg/L	Yes	1	A
15	Fort Smith	1.820 mg/L	Yes	19	D
16	Smackover	1.820 mg/L	Yes	2	B-
17	Portland	1.790 mg/L	Yes	8	B-
18	Hamburg	1.750 mg/L	Yes	2	A-
19	Greenbrier	1.720 mg/L	Yes	21	A
20	Camden	1.700 mg/L	Yes	126	D
21	Cabot	1.640 mg/L	Yes	6	A
22	Batesville	1.640 mg/L	Yes	65	D+
23	Helena	1.640 mg/L	Yes	36	F
24	Clinton	1.630 mg/L	Yes	23	B+
25	Wilson	1.620 mg/L	Yes	8	A-
26	Devalls Bluff	1.620 mg/L	Yes	1	D+
27	Ashdown	1.600 mg/L	Yes	3	A-
28	Dardanelle	1.580 mg/L	Yes	36	C+
29	Colt	1.580 mg/L	Yes	0	B
30	Bradley	1.580 mg/L	Yes	15	C+
31	Jefferson	1.570 mg/L	Yes	4	B+
32	Conway	1.540 mg/L	Yes	14	B
33	Blytheville	1.530 mg/L	Yes	8	C
34	Marianna	1.520 mg/L	Yes	56	F
35	Dequeen	1.460 mg/L	Yes	17	A-
36	Mccrae	1.460 mg/L	Yes	6	B
37	Hughes	1.440 mg/L	Yes	4	C
38	Paris	1.430 mg/L	Yes	23	B
39	Harrisburg	1.430 mg/L	Yes	0	B+
40	Gosnell	1.430 mg/L	Yes	1	B+
41	Ola	1.430 mg/L	Yes	29	C+
42	Rogers	1.400 mg/L	Yes	17	B-
43	Crossett	1.380 mg/L	Yes	2	A-
44	Morrilton	1.370 mg/L	Yes	7	B+

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about copper in Arkansas

Is copper in Arkansas drinking water safe?

44 cities in Arkansas exceed the EPA action level of 1.3 mg/L for copper. The state average is 2.808 mg/L. Copper levels are highest in homes with copper plumbing, particularly when water sits in pipes overnight. Flushing the tap before use significantly reduces copper in drinking water.

What causes high copper levels in Arkansas tap water?

Copper typically leaches from copper pipes and brass fittings within homes, not from the water source itself. Corrosive (low pH or soft) water accelerates this leaching. Water utilities with high copper readings are required to adjust water chemistry to reduce corrosivity. You can reduce exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds before use.

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