Water Quality in Arkansas: Complete Guide
Everything homeowners need to know about Arkansas tap water - hardness, contaminants, treatment options, and costs.
Quick summary: Arkansas has an average water hardness of 51 PPM across 13 cities. 0% of cities have hard water above 120 PPM. PFAS contamination is detected above EPA limits in at least one city. Most households do not need water softening equipment.
Water Hardness Across Arkansas
Arkansas's water hardness ranges from 22 PPM in Pine Bluff to 98 PPM in Fayetteville, with a statewide average of 51 PPM. This makes Arkansas one of the softer-water states. The national average is approximately 120 PPM.
Most Arkansas cities use surface water (rivers, lakes, reservoirs), which generally has lower mineral content than groundwater.
Contaminants of Concern in Arkansas
PFAS: The average PFAS level across Arkansas cities is 0.5 ppt. Bentonville has the highest detected PFAS at 6.2 ppt, above the EPA maximum contaminant level of 4 ppt. Residents should consider a reverse osmosis or NSF P473-certified filter for drinking water.
Lead: Lead contamination comes from plumbing infrastructure, not the water source. Arkansas homes built before 1986 are at higher risk due to lead solder. All cities in our database show lead levels below 5 ppb.
Do You Need a Water Softener in Arkansas?
For most Arkansas residents, no. Only 0% of cities have hard water above 120 PPM. However, individual situations vary - check your city page for specific data.
Impact of Hard Water in Arkansas
With an average hardness of 51 PPM, most Arkansas households do not face significant hard water impact. However, homes with hardness above 120 PPM should evaluate treatment options.