F2/100
Helena Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 8,401 residents · Arkansas
What's In Helena's Tap Water?
32
Contaminants Tested
1
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
2 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Copper (90th percentile) | 1.64 mg/L | 1.30 mg/L | Over Limit |
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.002 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
27
Violations (last 5yr)
1
Unresolved
16
Health-Related
TIER 3Resolved
Failed to conduct Level 1 Assessment
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: August 1, 2025Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved
Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure
When: September 1, 2024 – November 18, 2024Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved
Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure
When: August 1, 2024 – November 18, 2024Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 2Resolved
Violation related to Nitrite
When: July 1, 2024 – October 23, 2024Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved
Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure
When: July 1, 2024 – November 18, 2024Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 2Resolved
Violation related to Nitrite
When: June 1, 2024 – October 23, 2024Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved
Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure
When: June 1, 2024 – November 18, 2024Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 2Resolved
Violation related to Nitrite
When: May 1, 2024 – October 23, 2024Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 2Resolved
Violation related to Nitrite
When: April 1, 2024 – October 23, 2024Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 2Resolved
Violation related to Nitrite
When: March 1, 2024 – October 23, 2024Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 2Resolved
Violation related to Nitrite
When: February 1, 2024 – October 23, 2024Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved
Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure
When: January 1, 2024 – April 23, 2024Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 2Resolved
Violation related to Nitrite
When: January 1, 2024 – October 23, 2024Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 2Resolved
Violation related to Nitrite
When: December 1, 2023 – October 23, 2024Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved
Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure
When: December 1, 2023 – April 23, 2024Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 2Resolved
Violation related to Consumer Confidence Report
When: November 1, 2023 – January 17, 2025Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 2Resolved
Violation related to Nitrite
When: November 1, 2023 – October 23, 2024Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved
Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure
When: November 1, 2023 – April 23, 2024Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 2Resolved
Violation related to Nitrite
When: October 1, 2023 – October 23, 2024Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 2Resolved
Violation related to Consumer Confidence Report
When: October 1, 2023 – January 17, 2025Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved
Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure
When: October 1, 2023 – April 23, 2024Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved
Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure
When: September 1, 2023 – April 23, 2024Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 2Resolved
Violation related to Nitrite
When: September 1, 2023 – October 23, 2024Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 2Resolved
Violation related to Nitrite
When: August 1, 2023 – October 23, 2024Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 2Resolved
Violation related to Nitrite
When: July 1, 2023 – October 23, 2024Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 2Resolved
Violation related to Nitrite
When: June 1, 2023 – October 23, 2024Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Unresolved
Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: October 1, 2022 – December 31, 2022Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issuedVerify on EPA.gov
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
WEST HELENA WATER WORKS
Population Served
5,693
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
AR0000416
HELENA WATER SEWER
Population Served
2,708
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
AR0000419
Frequently Asked Questions About Helena Water
Is Helena tap water safe to drink?
Helena, Arkansas tap water receives a grade of F (2/100), which is considered failing. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 63 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Helena's water?
Of the 39 contaminants tested in Helena's water supply, the most notable include Copper (90th percentile), Lead (90th percentile). 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Helena have any water quality violations?
Yes, Helena has 63 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include MR, Other, TT. 35 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Helena?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Helena is recommended. 1 contaminant(s) exceed legal limits. An NSF-certified filter — such as a reverse osmosis or activated carbon system — can effectively reduce many common contaminants. Choose a filter certified to remove the specific contaminants found in your area.
Where does Helena's tap water come from?
Helena's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by WEST HELENA WATER WORKS and 1 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 8,401 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Helena'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. Helena'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 Helena's water compare to other cities in Arkansas?
Helena's water quality score of 2/100 earns a grade of F, which is considered failing. This is a concerning score that suggests significant water quality issues. Visit our Arkansas state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Helena's water quality?
If you have concerns about Helena'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 (WEST HELENA WATER WORKS) 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.