Fort Smith
Fort Smith, AR water profile — supply sources, drought status, wastewater reuse, and the key water issues facing the city.
fort smith water utilities
surface water (rivers/reservoirs) · local government · PWSID AR0000507
Below EPA's 15 ppb lead action level at last testing.
Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) · 2026 Q1
With about 88,194 residents, Fort Smith ranks as the 2nd-largest city in Arkansas and a small but growing city. Water in Fort Smith 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, Fort Smith faces exceptional drought conditions.
The Arkansas state profile covers the regional supply outlook; the issues below detail what's driving Fort Smith's water future.
Sebastian County water quality
Source: EPA SDWIS · 2026 Q1
At a glance
- Population ~88,194 (2nd-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 Fort Smith?
Fort Smith's largest water system, FORT SMITH WATER UTILITIES, serves about 86,209 people. EPA records show 1 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 Fort Smith get its water?
FORT SMITH WATER UTILITIES 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.
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