Little Rock – Arkansas – Water Quality Report 2025: PFAS Testing, Infrastructure Concerns & Safety across your city
Central Arkansas Water serves approximately 450,000 residents across the greater Little Rock metropolitan area, including North Little Rock, Sherwood, Jacksonville, Bryant, Cabot, and numerous surrounding communities in Pulaski, Saline, Lonoke, and Grant counties. As Arkansas’s largest water utility, the system encompasses over 2,770 miles of water distribution lines, multiple treatment facilities, and advanced monitoring systems that deliver an average of 126 million gallons of drinking water daily to the state’s capital region.
Central Arkansas Water sources its drinking water from two pristine surface water reservoirs: Lake Maumelle, located 15 minutes west of Little Rock, provides approximately 65% of the system’s daily demand, while Lake Winona in the Ouachita Mountain foothills supplies the remaining 35%. Raw water is treated at two state-of-the-art facilities – the Jack H. Wilson Water Treatment Plant with a capacity of 133 million gallons per day, and the Ozark Point Water Treatment Plant rated at 24 million gallons per day. The utility maintains an exemplary compliance record with zero Safe Drinking Water Act violations since 2014, implementing comprehensive watershed protection, advanced treatment technologies, and proactive infrastructure improvements to ensure safe, reliable water service for future generations in Central Arkansas.
Little Rock Water Quality: Current Status (2024-2025)
Latest Testing Results
- Compliance Excellence: Central Arkansas Water maintains a perfect compliance record with zero Safe Drinking Water Act violations since 2014, consistently meeting all EPA and Arkansas Department of Health drinking water standards.
- Lead Monitoring: Recent testing shows lead levels at 90% of sample sites measured at or below 0.001 mg/L, which is only 6.7% of the EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L, demonstrating excellent control of lead exposure.
- Comprehensive Testing: The utility conducts extensive water quality monitoring throughout the treatment and distribution system, with results published in annual water quality reports available to all customers.
Water Sources
- Lake Maumelle: Primary source providing 65% of daily demand, located 15 minutes west of Little Rock covering 13.9 square miles with comprehensive watershed protection covering over 115,000 acres.
- Lake Winona: Secondary source in Saline County providing 35% of supply, a scenic 1.9 square mile reservoir nestled in the Ouachita Mountain foothills with excellent natural protection.
- Jackson Reservoir: Auxiliary regulating reservoir in Little Rock that can receive water from both primary sources, providing system flexibility and supply security.
Advanced Treatment Technology
- Jack H. Wilson Plant: Primary treatment facility with 133 million gallons per day capacity, utilizing multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, and advanced disinfection.
- Ozark Point Plant: Secondary facility with 24 million gallons per day capacity, incorporating advanced treatment processes and redundant systems for exceptional water quality and reliability.
- Combined Capacity: Total treatment capacity of 157 million gallons per day provides 20% above maximum daily demand, ensuring adequate supply during peak usage and emergency situations.
Infrastructure Modernization
- Treatment Plant Upgrades: Ongoing $20+ million improvements to treatment facilities enhance water quality, optimize operations, and increase treatment capacity without rate adjustments for customers.
- Distribution System: Advanced GIS mapping and monitoring of 2,770 miles of water mains, 35,921 valves, 16,376 hydrants, and 151,832 meters across a 530.5 square mile service area.
- Future Investments: Planned $22 million bond issue will fund watershed protection, distribution improvements, operational upgrades, and major infrastructure including a new 60-inch diameter pipeline.
Customer Protection Initiatives
Central Arkansas Water provides comprehensive customer support through various programs, including low-income assistance providing up to $2,000 in credits for qualifying households, 24/7 emergency service, and convenient online account management. The utility offers educational outreach, conservation programs, and transparent communication through detailed water quality reports. With 20+ years of consolidated operations, Central Arkansas Water demonstrates commitment to public health protection through rigorous water quality monitoring, watershed management, and continuous infrastructure improvements while maintaining affordable rates for the diverse communities it serves across Central Arkansas.
Recommendations for Little Rock Residents
Test Your Water
Contact Central Arkansas Water at 501-372-5161 for information about water testing services. Testing is especially recommended for homes built before 1986 or with older plumbing systems that may contain lead components.
Conserve Water
Take advantage of Central Arkansas Water’s conservation resources and educational programs. Follow best practices for efficient water use, including proper irrigation timing and leak detection to reduce waste.
Consider Home Filtration
While Central Arkansas Water meets all federal standards, homes with older plumbing may benefit from NSF-certified filters for drinking and cooking water, especially for reducing disinfection byproducts and emerging contaminants.
Apply for Financial Assistance
Qualifying low-income customers can receive up to $2,000 in credits for water and wastewater bills. Visit arkansaslihwap.com or contact Central Arkansas Water at 501-372-5161 for assistance with applications.
Report Issues
Contact Central Arkansas Water Customer Service at 501-372-5161 (available 7:30 AM-5 PM Mon-Thu, 8 AM-4:30 PM Fri) or emergency line 501-377-1239 (24/7) for water main breaks, pressure problems, or quality concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Little Rock’s tap water safe to drink?
Yes, Little Rock’s tap water is safe to drink and meets all federal and state drinking water standards. Central Arkansas Water has maintained a perfect compliance record with zero Safe Drinking Water Act violations since 2014.
The water comes from two high-quality, well-protected sources – Lake Maumelle and Lake Winona – and undergoes comprehensive treatment at state-of-the-art facilities. The utility conducts extensive testing throughout the treatment and distribution system, with results transparently reported in annual water quality reports. Central Arkansas Water’s 20+ years of successful operations and exemplary regulatory compliance demonstrate their commitment to providing safe, reliable drinking water to Central Arkansas communities.
Why does my water sometimes taste or smell different?
Occasional taste and odor changes can occur due to several factors:
1. Seasonal water quality variations: Natural changes in source water during different weather conditions can affect taste and odor
2. Treatment process changes: Adjustments to disinfection processes or treatment chemicals may temporarily affect water characteristics
3. Home plumbing factors: Internal plumbing issues, water heater problems, or infrequently used faucets can sometimes cause taste or odor concerns
If taste or odor issues persist, contact Central Arkansas Water Customer Service at 501-372-5161. Often, running cold water for a few minutes after periods of non-use can help improve water quality from your tap.
Does Little Rock have lead in its water system?
Central Arkansas Water maintains excellent control of lead levels in the water system:
• Lead testing results: Recent monitoring shows 90% of sample sites had lead levels at or below 0.001 mg/L, which is only 6.7% of the EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L
• Corrosion control: The utility uses advanced water treatment processes to prevent leaching of lead and copper from plumbing systems
• Service line inventory: Central Arkansas Water has released an online inventory of all service lines to help customers understand their plumbing materials
• Home testing: Residents concerned about lead can contact Central Arkansas Water at 501-372-5161 for information about water testing services
Homes built before 1986 have a higher likelihood of containing lead solder or components in internal plumbing, which is why testing may be beneficial for concerned residents.
What financial assistance is available for water bills?
Central Arkansas Water offers several programs to help customers with water and wastewater bills:
Low-Income Water Assistance Program:
• Up to $2,000 in credits applied to eligible customers’ accounts
• Credits typically cover 12 months of water and wastewater bills
• Eligibility based on household size, income level, and vulnerable household members
Payment Plan Options:
• No-fee payment plans through Promise for customers with past-due balances of $50 or more
• Protection from fees and service disconnections while plans remain current
To apply for assistance, visit arkansaslihwap.com or contact Central Arkansas Water at 501-372-5161. Customer service representatives can help with applications over the phone or in person.
Quality News About Your Water
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Contaminants of Concern
Disinfection Byproducts
Source: Formed when disinfectants such as chlorine react with naturally occurring organic matter in source water from Lakes Maumelle and Winona; levels may vary seasonally
Health Effects: Long-term exposure to elevated levels may increase risk of certain cancers and potentially affect liver, kidney, and central nervous system function
Current Status: Detected at levels within federal compliance limits; regular monitoring conducted throughout the distribution system EPA Limits: 80 ppb for total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) and 60 ppb for haloacetic acids (HAA5)
PFAS Compounds
Source: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances from industrial activities, military installations, and consumer products that can enter surface waters including Central Arkansas watersheds
Health Effects: Research suggests potential impacts on immune system, cholesterol levels, thyroid function, and possible links to certain cancers and reproductive effects
Current Status: Recent research in Central Arkansas streams has detected PFAS at low levels in some areas; Arkansas will begin comprehensive statewide PFAS testing of surface waters in 2025 EPA Limits: New federal drinking water standards for six PFAS compounds finalized in 2024, with compliance required by 2029
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