Lithium Contamination

Lithium in Arkansas Drinking Water

Ranked by max lithium detected (µg/L) · UCMR 5 data (2023–2025) · Data from EPA SDWIS & UCMR

Cities Tested

Detected

100%

% Detected

25.1 µg/L

State Avg

▼ 0% vs national

vs National

311

Health Violations

Analysis

Lithium in Arkansas: what the data shows

Arkansas has 40 cities with lithium data from the EPA's UCMR 5 program (2023–2025). Lithium was detected in 40 of those cities. There is currently no federal MCL or health advisory for lithium — the state average max detected level is 25.1 µg/L. Nationally, lithium is detected in roughly 28% of sampled water systems. Lithium occurs naturally in groundwater, particularly in arid western states, and is concentrated in some surface waters near industrial discharge or geothermal sources. UCMR 5 added lithium monitoring in 2023, providing the first systematic national snapshot of public-water lithium levels. At therapeutic doses (administered as a medication), lithium is used to treat bipolar disorder. Chronic low-dose exposure from drinking water has been associated in some studies with effects on thyroid function and possibly mood. The most protective state guidance value is around 60 µg/L. Reverse osmosis and ion exchange are effective removal methods.

Comparison

Cities exceeding No federal MCL or HA

Arkansas

100%

40 of 40 cities

← = Exactly at national rate

National avg

100%

2808 of 2808 cities

City Map

Lithium data across Arkansas

Each dot is a city with UCMR 5 lithium testing data. Detected cities are shown — there is no federal limit, though some states use 60 µg/L as a screening level. Size reflects population served.

Worst Offenders

Top 10 cities by lithium level in Arkansas

Highest Lithium levels (µg/L)

All Cities

All Arkansas cities ranked by lithium level

#	City	Level	Detected?	Violations	Grade
1	Mc Dougal	73.6 µg/L	Detected	14	A
2	Piggott	67.0 µg/L	Detected	29	C+
3	Corning	52.4 µg/L	Detected	8	A-
4	Blytheville	47.4 µg/L	Detected	8	C
5	Hope	42.2 µg/L	Detected	57	F
6	Helena	41.0 µg/L	Detected	36	F
7	Poplar Grove	34.0 µg/L	Detected	2	A+
8	Paragould	33.7 µg/L	Detected	6	A
9	Marvell	32.9 µg/L	Detected	9	D+
10	Stuttgart	32.7 µg/L	Detected	15	A-
11	Mabelvale	32.7 µg/L	Detected	0	A-
12	Pine Bluff	28.7 µg/L	Detected	5	A-
13	Marianna	28.5 µg/L	Detected	56	F
14	Sheridan	27.3 µg/L	Detected	0	A
15	Hamburg	27.1 µg/L	Detected	2	A-
16	Little Rock	25.0 µg/L	Detected	44	C+
17	Rison	25.0 µg/L	Detected	9	A-
18	Crossett	23.5 µg/L	Detected	2	A-
19	Ashdown	22.0 µg/L	Detected	3	A-
20	Cabot	20.5 µg/L	Detected	6	A
21	Brinkley	20.0 µg/L	Detected	49	F
22	Manila	19.8 µg/L	Detected	3	A-
23	Austin	18.9 µg/L	Detected	1	B
24	West Memphis	17.8 µg/L	Detected	12	A
25	Pocahontas	17.3 µg/L	Detected	23	A-
26	Magnolia	16.8 µg/L	Detected	32	C+
27	Beebe	16.0 µg/L	Detected	1	A-
28	Osceola	16.0 µg/L	Detected	3	C+
29	Star City	15.0 µg/L	Detected	19	A
30	Fordyce	15.0 µg/L	Detected	10	A-
31	Caraway	14.0 µg/L	Detected	2	A
32	Marion	12.8 µg/L	Detected	11	C
33	Hickory Ridge	12.1 µg/L	Detected	14	B
34	Grady	11.4 µg/L	Detected	13	C+
35	El Dorado	11.2 µg/L	Detected	77	D
36	Warren	11.0 µg/L	Detected	4	A
37	Harrisburg	11.0 µg/L	Detected	0	B+
38	Tuckerman	11.0 µg/L	Detected	2	B-
39	Decatur	10.0 µg/L	Detected	4	A
40	Forrest City	9.2 µg/L	Detected	4	A

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about lithium in Arkansas

Is lithium in Arkansas tap water harmful?

Lithium has no federal MCL or health advisory. Some state agencies use 60 µg/L as a screening level. 40 cities in Arkansas had detectable lithium in UCMR 5 testing. Therapeutic lithium doses (used to treat bipolar disorder) are far higher than typical drinking-water levels, but chronic low-level exposure has been studied for potential thyroid and mood effects.

Where does lithium in tap water come from?

Lithium occurs naturally in groundwater, especially in arid western states with lithium-bearing geology (parts of Nevada, California, North Carolina, Texas). It can also enter water from industrial sources such as battery manufacturing, ceramics, and lithium-mining wastewater. Geothermal hot springs are another natural source.

How can I remove lithium from my drinking water?

Reverse osmosis is highly effective at removing lithium, typically reducing it by 90% or more. Ion exchange systems and distillation also work well. Standard activated carbon filters are NOT effective against lithium. If you rely on a private well in a lithium-rich geological area, consider testing.

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