C51/100
Decatur Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 2,468 residents · Arkansas
What's In Decatur's Tap Water?
31
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.003 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2011.
Understanding violation severity
Tier 1Urgent health risk. Utility must notify all customers within 24 hours.Tier 2Important health or treatment issue. Customers notified within 30 days.Tier 3Administrative or monitoring issue. Reported in the annual water quality report.
Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) · Updated quarterly
Water Utility Details
DECATUR WATERWORKS
Population Served
2,468
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
AR0000052
Frequently Asked Questions About Decatur Water
Is Decatur tap water safe to drink?
Decatur, Arkansas tap water receives a grade of C (51/100), which is considered fair. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 30 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Decatur's water?
Of the 31 contaminants tested in Decatur's water supply, the most notable include Lead (90th percentile). No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Decatur have any water quality violations?
Yes, Decatur has 30 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2011. Violation types include MR, Other, TT. 4 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Decatur?
Decatur water meets EPA standards, so a filter is not strictly necessary. However, some residents prefer the added security of a water filter. EPA health goals (MCLGs) are stricter than legal limits and are set at levels with zero expected health risk. 1 contaminant(s) exceed these stricter goals.
Where does Decatur's tap water come from?
Decatur's drinking water is sourced from purchased surface water and supplied by DECATUR WATERWORKS. The system serves approximately 2,468 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Decatur's water tested?
Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), water utilities are required to regularly test for over 90 contaminants. Testing frequency varies by contaminant — some are tested monthly, others quarterly or annually. Decatur's water systems must report results to the EPA and publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). The data on this page reflects the latest available EPA testing data.
How does Decatur's water compare to other cities in Arkansas?
Decatur's water quality score of 51/100 earns a grade of C, which is considered fair. This is a below-average score that indicates room for improvement. Visit our Arkansas state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Decatur's water quality?
If you have concerns about Decatur's tap water, consider these steps: (1) Request your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report for detailed local data. (2) Get your water independently tested through a state-certified laboratory. (3) Consider an NSF-certified water filter rated for the contaminants found in your area. (4) Contact your water utility (DECATUR WATERWORKS) with specific questions. (5) Report water quality issues to your state drinking water program or the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.