Arkansas
Arkansas sits in the South and draws its water primarily from Arkansas River, Mississippi alluvial aquifer, and Ozark aquifer. With roughly 3.1 million residents, the state has minimal formal water reuse to date, reusing an estimated 5% of its treated wastewater.
Arkansaswater quality & safety
Top violation drivers in Arkansas
| Contaminant / rule | Systems |
|---|---|
| Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule | 96 |
| TTHM | 93 |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | 28 |
| Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | 26 |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | 13 |
| Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule | 12 |
Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) · 2026 Q1 · health-based violations since 2016
Heavy agricultural pumping from the alluvial aquifer for rice and row crops is the dominant long-term concern.
On the U.S. Drought Monitor scale, Arkansas currently tracks around exceptional conditions. Arkansas has 666 community water systems serving about 3 million people; EPA records show 237 of them (35.6%) with a health-based Safe Drinking Water Act violation since 2016. The pages below break down the water issues that matter most here and the communities working on solutions.
Drought history — severe+ extent
% of Arkansas in severe drought or worse (D2+) each late summer.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor (NDMC/UNL, USDA, NOAA) · latest 2026-06-09
Water use (USGS 2015)
- Per-capita (public supply)
- 128 gpcd
- Total withdrawals
- 13.8 Bgal/d
- From groundwater
- 69.3%
- Irrigation share
- 83.6%
- Wastewater reused (est.)
- ~5%
Primary water sources
- ≈ Arkansas River
- ≈ Mississippi alluvial aquifer
- ≈ Ozark aquifer
Common questions
Is tap water safe in Arkansas?
Arkansas has 666 community water systems serving about 3 million people. EPA records show 237 of them (35.6%) with at least one health-based Safe Drinking Water Act violation since 2016, and 35 system(s) over the federal lead action level. Most large systems meet standards; check your specific city and your utility's annual report.
What contaminants are most common in Arkansas's water?
The most frequent health-based violations involve Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule, TTHM, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
How much water does Arkansas use per person?
Public water systems in Arkansas withdraw about 128 gallons per person per day (USGS 2015), drawing 69.3% of fresh water from groundwater.
How bad is the drought in Arkansas?
As of 2026-06-09, 88.8% of Arkansas is in drought (D1+) and 75.3% is in severe drought or worse, per the U.S. Drought Monitor.
Cities in Arkansas
8 trackedLittle Rock
Little Rock, AR water profile — supply sources, drought status, wastewater reuse, and the key water issues facing the city.
Fort Smith
Fort Smith, AR water profile — supply sources, drought status, wastewater reuse, and the key water issues facing the city.
Fayetteville
Fayetteville, AR water profile — supply sources, drought status, wastewater reuse, and the key water issues facing the city.
Springdale
Springdale, AR water profile — supply sources, drought status, wastewater reuse, and the key water issues facing the city.
Jonesboro
Jonesboro, AR water profile — supply sources, drought status, wastewater reuse, and the key water issues facing the city.
North Little Rock
North Little Rock, AR water profile — supply sources, drought status, wastewater reuse, and the key water issues facing the city.
Conway
Conway, AR water profile — supply sources, drought status, wastewater reuse, and the key water issues facing the city.
Rogers
Rogers, AR water profile — supply sources, drought status, wastewater reuse, and the key water issues facing the city.
Key issues in Arkansas
Groundwater Depletion
Aquifers from the Central Valley to the Ogallala are being pumped faster than they recharge, causing land subsidence and threatening long-term supply.
ExploreAgricultural Demand
Agriculture accounts for the majority of consumptive water use in the West, making farm efficiency and water markets central to any supply solution.
Explore