Is Arkansas Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Water quality data for 13 cities across Arkansas. Find your city below.
Water quality in Arkansas varies significantly from city to city. Across 13 cities we track, hardness ranges from 22 PPM in Pine Bluff to 98 PPM in Fayetteville, with a statewide average of 51 PPM. Most cities in Arkansas have relatively soft water, so a softener is generally unnecessary.
13
Cities
51
Avg Hardness (PPM)
98
Hardest City (PPM)
Complete Arkansas Guide
Statewide water quality overview, costs, and treatment recommendations.
Well Water in Arkansas
Testing, treatment, and common issues for private wells.
Hardest Water Rankings
Arkansas cities ranked by water hardness level.
City Comparisons
Fayetteville vs Pine Bluff
Side-by-side water quality comparison.
Fayetteville vs Benton
Side-by-side water quality comparison.
Benton vs Rogers
Side-by-side water quality comparison.
Arkansas Cities by Water Hardness
| City | Hardness (PPM) | Level | PFAS (ppt) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville | 98 | Moderately Hard | 0 | Beaver Lake |
| Benton | 90 | Moderately Hard | 0 | Saline County wells |
| Rogers | 85 | Moderately Hard | 0 | Beaver Lake |
| Bentonville | 80 | Moderately Hard | 6.2 | Beaver Lake |
| Springdale | 64 | Moderately Hard | 0 | Beaver Lake |
| Jonesboro | 49 | Slightly Hard | 0 | Alluvial aquifer |
| Fort Smith | 41 | Slightly Hard | 0 | Lee Creek Reservoir |
| Conway | 30 | Slightly Hard | 0 | Beaver Reservoir |
| Little Rock West | 30 | Slightly Hard | 0 | Lake Maumelle |
| Cabot | 28 | Slightly Hard | 0 | Local wells |
| North Little Rock | 25 | Slightly Hard | 0 | Arkansas River & wells |
| Little Rock | 24 | Slightly Hard | 0 | Lake Maumelle, Lake Winona |
| Pine Bluff | 22 | Slightly Hard | 0 | Bayou Bartholomew & wells |
Frequently Asked Questions About Arkansas Water
Is Arkansas tap water safe to drink?
Arkansas tap water meets EPA legal standards in most cities. Water hardness is relatively low across the state. Check your specific city above for detailed data.
Do I need a water softener in Arkansas?
Most Arkansas homes do not need a water softener. The state average of 51 PPM is relatively soft.
Which Arkansas city has the hardest water?
Fayetteville has the hardest water in Arkansas at 98 PPM (5.7 GPG). Benton is second at 90 PPM. See the full ranking.
What contaminants are in Arkansas water?
The most common concerns across Arkansas are chlorine and disinfection byproducts. Each city has different levels - check your city above for specific contaminant data.
How much does a water softener cost in Arkansas?
A whole-house water softener for a typical Arkansas home costs $800-$2,500 installed, depending on capacity and brand. At 51 PPM average hardness, most homes need a 32,000-48,000 grain system. Full cost breakdown.