Is North Little Rock, AR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Yes, North Little Rock tap water is safe to drink. Hardness is low at 25 PPM, and no contaminants exceed health guidelines. Most homes here don't need treatment.
Hardness Scale: Where North Little Rock Falls
0Slightly
60Moderate
120Hard
180Very Hard
250Extreme
400+
How North Little Rock Compares
North Little Rock's water is 82% softer than the national average of 138 PPM - ranking in the bottom 87% for hardness nationwide. Most homes here do not need a softener. Within Arkansas, it ranks #11 of 13 cities (51% below the state average of 51 PPM). Among smaller cities, North Little Rock ranks #230 of 288 for hardness.
What North Little Rock's Water Means for Your Home
Hardness: 25 PPM - Low Concern
North Little Rock's water is slightly hard at 25 PPM. Most households won't notice any issues at this level. Scale buildup is minimal, and a water softener would be overkill. North Little Rock is softer than 87% of US cities. If you're thinking about water treatment, contaminant filtration is where to focus your money, not softening.
Contaminants & Safety
Disinfection byproducts are the notable finding here. North Little Rock's water has TTHMs at 48.9 ppb and HAA5 at 32.6 ppb — both within legal limits, but the EWG health guidelines are far stricter. These byproducts form when chlorine reacts with organic matter during treatment. A whole-house activated carbon filter reduces both chlorine and its byproducts. Want the full picture? Request your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report.
What's in the Treatment Process
North Little Rock's surface water supply requires heavy chlorination to stay safe — but that creates a tradeoff. The treatment process generates disinfection byproducts: TTHMs at 48.9 ppb (61% of the legal limit, but 326x the EWG guideline) and HAA5 at 32.6 ppb (54% of the legal limit, but 326x the EWG guideline). These are within legal limits, but the EWG sets much tighter thresholds based on cancer-risk research. A whole-house activated carbon filter reduces both chlorine and byproducts.
Chromium-6 was detected at 0.185 ppb, which is 9.2x the EWG health guideline. There's no separate federal limit for chromium-6, only total chromium. A reverse osmosis system is the most effective removal method. All measurements are within federal legal limits. The EWG guidelines represent a more conservative, health-based standard.
| Contaminant | Detected | Health Guideline | Legal Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hardness (as CaCO₃) | 25 PPM | < 60 PPM | No federal limit | ✓ OK |
| Total Dissolved Solids | 31 PPM | < 300 PPM | 500 PPM | ✓ OK |
| PFAS (total) | 0 ppt | — | No total limit | ✓ ND |
| ↳ PFOA | 0 ppt | 0 ppt | 4 ppt (2024) | ✓ OK |
| ↳ PFOS | 0 ppt | 0 ppt | 4 ppt (2024) | ✓ OK |
| Lead | 1 ppb | 0 ppb (no safe level) | 15 ppb (10 ppb in 2027) | ✓ Low |
| Chlorine / Chloramine | 1.6 mg/L | Taste threshold ~1.0 | 4.0 mg/L | ✓ Normal |
| Nitrate | Not reported | 5 mg/L | 10 mg/L | N/A |
Recommendations for North Little Rock Homes
Quick Fix for Chlorine: Shower Filter
At 1.6 mg/L chlorine, many North Little Rock residents notice dry skin, brittle hair, and that "pool smell" in the shower. A shower filter installs in 5 minutes, no tools needed.
How to Test Your Water in North Little Rock
City-wide data is a solid starting point, but your specific tap might differ based on plumbing age, distance from the treatment plant, or seasonal changes.
Free option: Request Central Arkansas Water's annual Consumer Confidence Report for official city-level data.
📊 Already Tested Your Water?
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About North Little Rock's Water Supply
Water Utility: Central Arkansas Water
Water Source: Arkansas River & wells (Surface Water)
Population Served: 8,618
Hardness: 25 PPM (1.5 grains per gallon)
North Little Rock's drinking water comes from surface sources — Arkansas River & wells. Surface water requires more extensive treatment than groundwater, including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection. This heavier chlorination is why disinfection byproducts tend to be higher in surface-supplied systems. On the upside, surface sources often deliver softer water than deep aquifers. The system serves 9,000 residents.
Water quality can vary by neighborhood and season. For your exact numbers, request Central Arkansas Water's Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) or test your own tap.
ZIP Codes Covered by This Report
This water quality data applies to all areas served by Central Arkansas Water in North Little Rock, AR, including ZIP codes:
72046, 72083, 72114, 72115, 72116, 72117, 72118, 72119, 72120, 72124, 72142, 72190, 72199
If your ZIP code is listed above, this report covers your water supply. Water quality may vary slightly by neighborhood.
Compare North Little Rock to Other Arkansas Cities
Frequently Asked Questions About North Little Rock Water
Is North Little Rock tap water safe to drink?
Where does North Little Rock's water come from?
Do I need a water softener in North Little Rock?
What are disinfection byproducts in North Little Rock's water?
Is chromium-6 in North Little Rock's water?
Why does North Little Rock water taste like chlorine?
Can I drink North Little Rock tap water straight from the faucet?
How does North Little Rock compare to the Arkansas average?
Data sources: Lead and copper data from EPA Safe Drinking Water Act LCR reporting. Contaminant data from utility-reported testing results. PFAS data from EPA UCMR5 (2023–2025). Hardness from USGS and municipal reports. Data reflects system-level testing results and may not match your specific tap due to neighborhood plumbing, season, or recent utility changes. For your utility's latest results, request their Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). Our methodology. Last updated: 2026-02-24.
What North Little Rock Homeowners Actually Buy
Common purchases for homes with 25 PPM water.
Affiliate disclosure: we may earn a commission. Selection based on North Little Rock's water data.