Water Quality in Little Rock, AR

Little Rock's water quality is good overall. Hardness is low at 24 PPM, and no contaminants exceed health guidelines. Most homes here do not need a water softener.

Central Arkansas Water · Source: Lake Maumelle, Lake Winona · Serves 202,591 residents

24
Hardness (PPM)
47
TDS (PPM)
0.9
Chlorine (mg/L)
2
PFAS (ppt)
1
Lead (ppb)
24 PPM 0 400 Slightly Hard
CONTAMINANT LEVELS Hardness 24 PPM TDS 47 PPM PFAS 2 ppt Lead 1 ppb Chlorine 0.9 mg/L Nitrate 1 mg/L

Hardness Scale: Where Little Rock Falls

Soft 060120180250400+
Soft water

Excellent, naturally soft water from protected mountain lakes.

What Little Rock's Water Means for Your Home

Little Rock's water is slightly hard at 24 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 Little Rock, focus on contaminant filtration rather than softening.

Beyond hardness, Little Rock's water quality is generally within EPA guidelines for regulated contaminants. Chlorine is present at 0.9 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)24 PPM< 60 PPMNo federal limit✓ OK
Total Dissolved Solids47 PPM< 300 PPM500 PPM✓ OK
PFAS (total)2 ppt4 ppt (EPA)4 ppt (2024)✓ OK
Lead1 ppb0 ppb (no safe level)15 ppb (action level)✓ Low
Chlorine / Chloramine0.9 mg/LTaste threshold ~1.04.0 mg/L✓ Normal
Nitrate1 mg/L5 mg/L10 mg/L✓ OK

Good news for ${esc(c.city)} residents. Your water quality is generally good. Most homes in this area do not need a water softener. If you have concerns about lead (especially in buildings constructed before 1986) or chlorine taste, a point-of-use filter is the most practical and cost-effective solution.

About Little Rock's Water Supply

Water Utility: Central Arkansas Water

Water Source: Lake Maumelle, Lake Winona

Population Served: 202,591

Hardness: 24 PPM (1.4 grains per gallon)

Water quality can vary by neighborhood and season. The values above represent typical averages reported by Central Arkansas Water. 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 Little Rock to Other Arkansas Cities

Fort Smith

41 PPM · Slightly Hard

Fayetteville

98 PPM · Moderately Hard

Springdale

64 PPM · Moderately Hard

Jonesboro

49 PPM · Slightly Hard

Frequently Asked Questions About Little Rock Water

Is Little Rock tap water safe to drink?
Little Rock'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 Little Rock?
No. At 24 PPM, Little Rock's water is very soft. A water softener would provide no benefit here. Focus on filtration if you have specific contaminant concerns.
What water filter is best for Little Rock?
The best filter depends on which contaminants you want to address. See our softener vs. filter guide to understand the difference between these categories.
Where does Little Rock's water come from?
Little Rock's drinking water is sourced from Lake Maumelle, Lake Winona and treated by Central Arkansas Water. Excellent, naturally soft water from protected mountain lakes..
What is the hardness of Little Rock water in grains per gallon?
Little Rock's water hardness is 1.4 grains per gallon (GPG), which equals 24 parts per million (PPM). This is classified as slightly hard. To convert: 1 GPG = 17.1 PPM.
Does Little Rock water damage tankless water heaters?
At 1.4 GPG, Little Rock'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 Little Rock water safe for babies and infants?
Little Rock'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 Central Arkansas Water Consumer Confidence Report. Hardness and contaminant levels represent typical average values and may vary by neighborhood and season. Last updated: 2026-02-12.