Fayetteville
Fayetteville, AR water profile — supply sources, drought status, wastewater reuse, and the key water issues facing the city.
fayetteville waterworks
surface water (rivers/reservoirs) · local government · PWSID AR0000569
Below EPA's 15 ppb lead action level at last testing.
Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) · 2026 Q1
With about 82,830 residents, Fayetteville ranks as the 3rd-largest city in Arkansas and a small but growing city. Water in Fayetteville is sourced chiefly from Arkansas River, Mississippi alluvial aquifer, and Ozark aquifer, the backbone of Arkansas's supply.
The defining water pressure here mirrors the state's: groundwater depletion. Heavy agricultural pumping from the alluvial aquifer for rice and row crops is the dominant long-term concern.
Statewide, Arkansas recycles about 5% of its wastewater with minimal reuse programs. Locally, Fayetteville faces exceptional drought conditions.
The Arkansas state profile covers the regional supply outlook; the issues below detail what's driving Fayetteville's water future.
Washington County water quality
Source: EPA SDWIS · 2026 Q1
At a glance
- Population ~82,830 (3rd-largest in Arkansas)
- Primary sources: Arkansas River, Mississippi alluvial aquifer, and Ozark aquifer
- Drought: exceptional conditions
- State reuse rate: ~5% of wastewater
Statewide drought history
% of Arkansas in severe+ drought (Exceptional (D4) now).
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor
Common questions
Is tap water safe in Fayetteville?
Fayetteville's largest water system, FAYETTEVILLE WATERWORKS, serves about 116,398 people. EPA records show 0 health-based violation(s) since 2016 and a most-recent 90th-percentile lead level of 1 ppb (EPA action level is 15 ppb). Always check your own provider's annual Consumer Confidence Report.
Where does Fayetteville get its water?
FAYETTEVILLE WATERWORKS draws primarily from surface water (rivers/reservoirs), part of Arkansas's supply from Arkansas River, Mississippi alluvial aquifer, Ozark aquifer.
Related water issues
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