C47/100
Fort Smith Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 86,209 residents · Arkansas
What's In Fort Smith's Tap Water?
76
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.001 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2017.
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
FORT SMITH WATER UTILITIES
Population Served
86,209
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
AR0000507
Frequently Asked Questions About Fort Smith Water
Is Fort Smith tap water safe to drink?
Fort Smith, Arkansas tap water receives a grade of C (47/100), which is considered fair. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 10 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Fort Smith's water?
Of the 76 contaminants tested in Fort Smith'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 Fort Smith have any water quality violations?
Yes, Fort Smith has 10 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2017. Violation types include TT. 10 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Fort Smith?
Fort Smith 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 Fort Smith's tap water come from?
Fort Smith's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by FORT SMITH WATER UTILITIES. The system serves approximately 86,209 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Fort Smith'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. Fort Smith'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 Fort Smith's water compare to other cities in Arkansas?
Fort Smith's water quality score of 47/100 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 Fort Smith's water quality?
If you have concerns about Fort Smith'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 (FORT SMITH WATER UTILITIES) 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.