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Little Rock, AR · 380,367 people served · EPA data 2021–2026

Tap water quality in Little Rock, Arkansas

Little Rock's water systems logged zero health-based EPA violations in 2021–2026 — water that met every federal health standard on record. Day-to-day quality still varies with pipes and plumbing, but the municipal record here is clean.

CFair
Little Rock water grade: C
Fair — our A–F grade from this city's EPA compliance record, relative to Arkansas and the nation. How we grade →
Health-based violations, 2021–20260
Federal health standardsall met
Central Arkansas Water368,455 served
East End Water5,954 served
Central Arkansas Water Paron2,025 served
Perla Water Association1,970 served
Arkansas quality rank#24 / 51 (83.7/100)
Arkansas avg hardness38 PPM (soft)
Want to know what's actually in your Little Rock water?

Averages describe states, not your faucet. A certified home water test screens for lead, nitrates, bacteria and dozens of other contaminants — the same categories EPA regulates.

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Little Rock tap water FAQ

Is tap water safe to drink in Little Rock?

Little Rock's community water systems reported no health-based EPA violations in 2021–2026, meaning the water met federal health standards throughout. Home plumbing (especially pre-1986 lead solder or service lines) can still affect what reaches your glass — a home test settles it.

Who supplies Little Rock's water?

Central Arkansas Water (serving about 368,455 people); East End Water (serving about 5,954 people); Central Arkansas Water Paron (serving about 2,025 people); Perla Water Association (serving about 1,970 people). Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System, July 2026.

How hard is the water in Little Rock?

City-level hardness isn't published in a single federal dataset, but Arkansas averages 38 PPM — "soft" on the USGS scale. Your utility's water quality report lists Little Rock's exact hardness, or a $10 test strip tells you in a minute. If it comes back over 120 PPM, see our water softener guidance in the purification calculator.

Do I need a water filter in Little Rock?

The municipal record is clean, so filtering in Little Rock is about taste, hardness and your own plumbing rather than compliance. A carbon filter fixes chlorine taste; test first if your home predates 1986 (lead solder era).

Want to know what's actually in your Little Rock water?

Averages describe states, not your faucet. A certified home water test screens for lead, nitrates, bacteria and dozens of other contaminants — the same categories EPA regulates.

Test your water at home

We may earn a commission if you request quotes through this link. It costs you nothing and never affects the data we publish.