Fayetteville Tap Water Quality: Safety, Hardness & Lead - 2026

Is Fayetteville Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Fayetteville tap water meets all current EPA drinking water standards.

Lead — Lead (1 ppb) is at 7% of the EPA action level of 15 ppb.

The data below shows test results from 1 water utility serving 116K people in the Fayetteville area.

Based on publicly available data from EPA Water Quality Portal (Various). Water quality can vary by location, building plumbing, and over time. This assessment reflects compliance with federal EPA standards and is not medical advice.

Do I Need a Water Filter?

Fayetteville tap water meets all current EPA standards. No additional filtration is required based on available test data. For extra peace of mind, a basic carbon filter can improve taste.

How Hard is Fayetteville Water?

SoftVery Hard

060120180300+

97.7 ppm

5.7 grains per gallon

Moderate

Impact on Your Home

Shower

Minor dryness possible

Kitchen

Some water spots

Laundry

May need more detergent

Appliances

Minimal scale

Regional Comparison

Fayetteville

97.7

Arkansas

US Average

100

Values in ppm (mg/L as CaCO₃)

Want to verify your home's exact hardness level? See our best water hardness test kits.

Based on 462 water samples from Washington County

Your pipes tell a different story

The data above shows what leaves the treatment plant—not what comes out of your faucet. Old pipes, lead solder, and building plumbing can add contaminants the city never tests for. Know exactly what's in your Fayetteville tap water.

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Lead & Contaminants

Understanding lead levels and water quality violations in Fayetteville

Lead Test Results

90th Percentile Lead Level

1 ppb

Below EPA Action Level

0EPA Limit (15)30+

Fayetteville lead levels are well below the EPA action level.

Regular testing is still recommended, as lead can enter water through household plumbing.

Last sampled: 2025-12-31

About Lead in Drinking Water

What is Lead in Water?

According to the EPA, lead is a toxic metal that can dissolve into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. It's invisible, tasteless, and odorless, making testing the only way to detect it. The EPA has set an action level of 15 ppb and states there is no safe level of lead exposure.

Potential Health Effects

Children

According to the CDC: developmental delays, learning difficulties, lower IQ, behavioral issues

Adults

According to the EPA: high blood pressure, kidney damage, reproductive issues

How to Reduce Exposure

•Run water for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before drinking, especially in the morning
•Use cold water for cooking and drinking (hot water dissolves more lead)
•Install a NSF-certified filter designed to remove lead
•Test your water, especially if your home was built before 1986

EPA Compliance History

Excellent Record

No violations in past 3 years

This utility has maintained full EPA compliance. No action needed, but regular home testing is still recommended.

3-Year Violation Summary

Total Violations

Health-Related

Administrative

All past violations resolved

Health-Related Violations

Contaminant exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels. The EPA recommends considering certified filtration.

Administrative Violations

Missed testing deadlines or reporting. Does not indicate water quality issues.

View Full EPA Compliance Report for Fayetteville

Who Provides Fayetteville's Water?

Utility Name

FAYETTEVILLE WATERWORKS

EPA System ID (PWSID)

AR0000569

Primary Water Source

Surface Water

Population Served

116K

View Full EPA Report

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Fayetteville tap water quality

Based on the most recent available data, Fayetteville tap water meets all current EPA drinking water standards with no health-based violations in the past 3 years. Lead levels are below the EPA action level of 15 ppb.

Fayetteville has moderate water with a hardness of 97.7 ppm (5.7 grains per gallon). undefined

Lead levels (1 ppb) are below the EPA action level of 15 ppb.

Fayetteville's tap water is provided by FAYETTEVILLE WATERWORKS. The EPA system ID (PWSID) is AR0000569. The primary water source is Surface Water. You can find official water quality reports and contact information through your local utility.

Fayetteville tap water meets all current EPA standards. No additional filtration is required based on available test data. For extra peace of mind, a basic carbon filter can improve taste.

Fayetteville's water utility has had no violations in the past 3 years, indicating excellent compliance with EPA drinking water regulations.

Fayetteville's water utility uses chlorine or chloramine to disinfect the water supply. This is a standard practice required by the EPA to prevent waterborne illness. The taste is usually more noticeable in warm weather or near treatment facilities. To reduce chlorine taste, let water sit in an open pitcher for 30 minutes, use a refrigerator filter, or install a carbon filter on your tap.

Fayetteville's tap water primarily comes from surface water sources. Surface water is collected from rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, then treated before distribution. The water is provided by FAYETTEVILLE WATERWORKS.

Nearby Cities in Arkansas

Central Arkansas

Soft water

Jonesboro

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Springdale

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