Strontium Contamination

Strontium in Arkansas Drinking Water

Ranked by max strontium detected (µg/L) · UCMR 3 data (2013–2015) · Data from EPA SDWIS & UCMR

Cities Tested

Over HRL

% Over HRL

137.5 µg/L

State Avg

▼ 6% vs national

vs National

311

Health Violations

Analysis

Strontium in Arkansas: what the data shows

Arkansas has 58 cities with strontium data from the EPA's UCMR 3 program (2013–2015). Strontium was detected above the 1,500 µg/L EPA health reference level in 0 of those cities. The state average max detected level is 137.5 µg/L. Strontium occurs naturally in groundwater, particularly in areas with limestone and dolomite geology. It can also enter water from industrial waste and mining operations. There is no federal MCL for strontium, but the EPA established a health reference level (HRL) of 1,500 µg/L. Long-term exposure to strontium above the HRL may affect bone health, particularly in children, by substituting for calcium in developing bones. Reverse osmosis and ion exchange systems are effective at removing strontium from drinking water.

Comparison

Cities exceeding 1,500 µg/L EPA HRL (no MCL)

Arkansas

0 of 58 cities

← ▼ 6% below national rate (better)

National avg

250 of 4371 cities

City Map

Strontium data across Arkansas

Each dot is a city with UCMR 3 strontium testing data. Cities where strontium exceeds the 1,500 µg/L EPA health reference level are highlighted. Size reflects population served.

Worst Offenders

Top 10 cities by strontium level in Arkansas

Highest Strontium levels (µg/L)

All Cities

All Arkansas cities ranked by strontium level

#	City	Level	Over HRL?	Violations	Grade
1	Mabelvale	922.0 µg/L	No	0	A-
2	Stuttgart	734.0 µg/L	No	15	A-
3	Little Rock	542.3 µg/L	No	44	C+
4	Hickory Ridge	424.0 µg/L	No	14	B
5	Rison	410.0 µg/L	No	9	A-
6	Pine Bluff	375.0 µg/L	No	5	A-
7	Blytheville	327.0 µg/L	No	8	C
8	Forrest City	320.0 µg/L	No	4	A
9	Palestine	313.0 µg/L	No	0	A
10	Jacksonville	241.0 µg/L	No	7	A+
11	Cabot	220.0 µg/L	No	6	A
12	Warren	220.0 µg/L	No	4	A
13	Rector	210.0 µg/L	No	5	A
14	Beebe	203.0 µg/L	No	1	A-
15	Hope	200.0 µg/L	No	57	F
16	Rosston	189.0 µg/L	No	44	D
17	Paragould	159.0 µg/L	No	6	A
18	Camden	110.0 µg/L	No	126	D
19	Magnolia	95.7 µg/L	No	32	C+
20	Texarkana	91.8 µg/L	No	25	B+
21	Batesville	70.5 µg/L	No	65	D+
22	Siloam Springs	69.4 µg/L	No	49	F
23	Rogers	69.3 µg/L	No	17	B-
24	Benton	62.0 µg/L	No	10	A
25	Arkadelphia	61.5 µg/L	No	5	B+
26	Jonesboro	60.4 µg/L	No	2	A+
27	El Dorado	60.4 µg/L	No	77	D
28	Hot Springs Village	60.2 µg/L	No	0	A+
29	Harrison	55.6 µg/L	No	14	B+
30	West Memphis	54.4 µg/L	No	12	A
31	Van Buren	54.3 µg/L	No	16	C+
32	Farmington	50.0 µg/L	No	15	B+
33	Lincoln	49.0 µg/L	No	5	A+
34	Marion	48.6 µg/L	No	11	C
35	Bentonville	47.9 µg/L	No	2	A-
36	Monticello	44.5 µg/L	No	31	C-
37	Bella Vista	43.7 µg/L	No	13	B+
38	Malvern	43.2 µg/L	No	19	B+
39	Springdale	42.7 µg/L	No	2	B
40	Berryville	42.6 µg/L	No	7	A-
41	Fayetteville	42.3 µg/L	No	17	D
42	Fort Smith	41.5 µg/L	No	19	D
43	Hot Springs	41.4 µg/L	No	43	B+
44	Centerton	41.3 µg/L	No	4	A
45	Green Forest	39.7 µg/L	No	1	A+
46	Eldorado	36.4 µg/L	No	6	A
47	Greers Ferry	34.9 µg/L	No	6	A
48	Greenwood	32.2 µg/L	No	93	D+
49	Mountain Home	31.2 µg/L	No	22	B+
50	Searcy	29.8 µg/L	No	2	A-
51	Vilonia	29.1 µg/L	No	2	A
52	Heber Springs	28.9 µg/L	No	2	A
53	Conway	28.4 µg/L	No	14	B
54	Russellville	26.2 µg/L	No	25	C-
55	Russelville	25.7 µg/L	No	11	A-
56	Central City	25.0 µg/L	No	6	A
57	Morrilton	24.0 µg/L	No	7	B+
58	Bryant	18.1 µg/L	No	6	A+

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about strontium in Arkansas

Is strontium in Arkansas tap water harmful?

Strontium at low levels is not considered harmful, but the EPA set a health reference level (HRL) of 1,500 µg/L based on potential bone effects. No cities in Arkansas exceed the HRL. There is currently no federal MCL for strontium. Children may be more susceptible because strontium can substitute for calcium in developing bones.

How can I remove strontium from my drinking water?

Reverse osmosis and ion exchange (water softener) systems are effective at removing strontium from drinking water. Standard carbon filters are NOT effective. If your water comes from a well in an area with limestone or dolomite geology, consider testing for strontium.

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