Water Quality in Fort Smith, AR

Fort Smith's water quality is good overall. Hardness is low at 41 PPM, and no contaminants exceed health guidelines. Most homes here do not need a water softener.

Fort Smith Utilities · Source: Lee Creek Reservoir · Serves 89,142 residents

41
Hardness (PPM)
150
TDS (PPM)
1.6
Chlorine (mg/L)
4
PFAS (ppt)
4
Lead (ppb)
41 PPM 0 400 Slightly Hard
CONTAMINANT LEVELS Hardness 41 PPM TDS 150 PPM PFAS 4 ppt Lead 4 ppb Chlorine 1.6 mg/L Nitrate 2 mg/L

Hardness Scale: Where Fort Smith Falls

Soft 060120180250400+
Generally good quality

Fort Smith's water from the Ozark highlands is moderately soft with low mineral content.

What Fort Smith's Water Means for Your Home

Fort Smith's water is slightly hard at 41 PPM. At this level, hard water is not a significant concern for most households. Scale buildup is minimal, and a water softener would provide little measurable benefit. If you are considering water treatment in Fort Smith, focus on contaminant filtration rather than softening.

Beyond hardness, Fort Smith's water quality is generally within EPA guidelines for regulated contaminants. Chlorine is present at 1.6 mg/L as a disinfectant residual, which is normal for municipal water systems. If you notice a pool-like taste or experience dry skin, a whole-house carbon filter is the most common and affordable solution. For homeowners who want to understand the full picture, requesting your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report provides neighborhood-level data.

ContaminantDetectedHealth GuidelineLegal LimitStatus
Hardness (as CaCO₃)41 PPM< 60 PPMNo federal limit✓ OK
Total Dissolved Solids150 PPM< 300 PPM500 PPM✓ OK
PFAS (total)4 ppt4 ppt (EPA)4 ppt (2024)✓ OK
Lead4 ppb0 ppb (no safe level)15 ppb (action level)✓ Low
Chlorine / Chloramine1.6 mg/LTaste threshold ~1.04.0 mg/L✓ Normal
Nitrate2 mg/L5 mg/L10 mg/L✓ OK

Recommendations for Fort Smith Homes

🚿 Whole-House Carbon Filter
Chlorine measured at 1.6 mg/L. While safe to drink, this level often causes noticeable taste, odor, and can dry skin and hair. A whole-house carbon filter removes chlorine from every faucet and shower.
Learn more about this solution →

About Fort Smith's Water Supply

Water Utility: Fort Smith Utilities

Water Source: Lee Creek Reservoir

Population Served: 89,142

Hardness: 41 PPM (2.4 grains per gallon)

Water quality can vary by neighborhood and season. The values above represent typical averages reported by Fort Smith Utilities. To get exact numbers for your address, request a copy of the most recent Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) from your utility, or have your water independently tested.

Compare Fort Smith to Other Arkansas Cities

Little Rock

24 PPM · Slightly Hard

Fayetteville

98 PPM · Moderately Hard

Springdale

64 PPM · Moderately Hard

Jonesboro

49 PPM · Slightly Hard

Frequently Asked Questions About Fort Smith Water

Is Fort Smith tap water safe to drink?
Fort Smith's water meets EPA legal standards for drinking water safety. However, legal limits and health-optimal levels are different things. Review the contaminant table above for specific numbers and how they compare to both legal limits and health guidelines.
Do I need a water softener in Fort Smith?
Probably not. At 41 PPM, Fort Smith's water is on the softer end. Most homes will not experience noticeable scale buildup. That said, if you have high-end fixtures, a glass shower enclosure, or a tankless water heater, even mild hardness can leave mineral deposits over time. A salt-free conditioner is a low-cost insurance policy in that case.
What water filter is best for Fort Smith?
The best filter depends on which contaminants you want to address. For chlorine taste and odor, an activated carbon filter is effective and affordable, available as under-sink, countertop, or whole-house systems. See our softener vs. filter guide to understand the difference between these categories.
Where does Fort Smith's water come from?
Fort Smith's drinking water is sourced from Lee Creek Reservoir and treated by Fort Smith Utilities. Fort Smith's water from the Ozark highlands is moderately soft with low mineral content..
What is the hardness of Fort Smith water in grains per gallon?
Fort Smith's water hardness is 2.4 grains per gallon (GPG), which equals 41 parts per million (PPM). This is classified as slightly hard. To convert: 1 GPG = 17.1 PPM.
Does Fort Smith water damage tankless water heaters?
At 2.4 GPG, Fort Smith's water is unlikely to cause significant issues for tankless water heaters. However, if you notice reduced flow or efficiency over time, scale buildup could be a factor. Annual flushing with vinegar is good maintenance regardless of hardness.
Is Fort Smith water safe for babies and infants?
Fort Smith's water meets all EPA safety standards and is generally considered safe for preparing infant formula. The hardness minerals (calcium and magnesium) are not harmful. If your home has older plumbing, running cold water for 30 seconds before use is a good precaution to flush any lead from pipes.

Data sources. Water quality data compiled from EPA SDWIS, EWG Tap Water Database, USGS water hardness studies, and the Fort Smith Utilities Consumer Confidence Report. Hardness and contaminant levels represent typical average values and may vary by neighborhood and season. Last updated: 2026-02-12.