PFAS in Drinking Water in Arkansas
What residents of Arkansas need to know about PFAS ("forever chemicals") in drinking water — including contamination sources, which utilities have documented violations, and how to filter PFAS from tap water.
Source: EPA SDWIS, Arkansas Department of Health, CDC · Last reviewed: 2025-01-01
Quick Answer
Is PFAS in drinking water a real concern in Arkansas?
PFAS contamination in Arkansas is a moderate concern, primarily near Little Rock Air Force Base and industrial facilities in the Arkansas River Valley. Little Rock AFB has documented AFFF-related PFAS contamination in groundwater surrounding the installation, and some nearby public water systems have been tested.
Where does PFAS come from in Arkansas?
Little Rock Air Force Base is the primary known PFAS contamination source in Arkansas. AFFF firefighting foam used during air operations and fire training has migrated off-base into groundwater. Some industrial facilities in the Arkansas River Valley corridor may also contribute PFAS loading.
What should Arkansas residents know?
Arkansas residents near Little Rock AFB in Pulaski County should verify whether their utility draws from affected groundwater sources. Private well owners in Jacksonville and Cabot areas closest to the base should consider testing. The Arkansas Department of Health oversees drinking water compliance with the new EPA PFAS standards.
Key Facts
| EPA MCL (PFOA/PFOS) | 4 ppt — effective April 2024 |
| MCLG | Zero |
| Primary contamination source | Little Rock Air Force Base (AFFF foam) near Jacksonville, AR |
| State regulator | Arkansas Department of Health — Engineering Section |
| State PFAS activity | UCMR5 monitoring underway; no state-specific MCL above federal standard as of 2025 |
| Health effects | Cancer risk (kidney, testicular), thyroid disruption, immune effects |
| Effective treatment | Reverse osmosis (NSF/ANSI 58) or activated carbon certified for PFAS |
Why PFAS Matters in Arkansas
Arkansas has fewer documented PFAS hotspots than states with larger military footprints, but Little Rock AFB represents a confirmed contamination source. The base is located near Jacksonville, AR, a city of approximately 30,000 people with its own water system. Groundwater monitoring has detected PFAS in the vicinity of the base, and Arkansas DOH has expanded PFAS testing for public water systems as part of EPA's UCMR5 monitoring program.
Arkansas PFAS Regulation
Arkansas Department of Health participates in EPA UCMR5 federal monitoring for large public water systems. The state has no identified major military PFAS hotspots comparable to other states, but Camp Robinson near North Little Rock and Little Rock Air Force Base have conducted AFFF investigations. Arkansas does not have a state PFAS MCL more protective than federal.
Largest Arkansas Water Utilities
No PFAS violations on record in EPA SDWIS for Arkansas utilities in our database. Browse the largest utilities to review their full water quality record.
What Are PFAS (“Forever Chemicals”)?
PFAS are a family of over 12,000 synthetic chemicals used in non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, food packaging, and AFFF firefighting foam. Their carbon-fluorine bonds do not break down in the environment or the body — hence the name “forever chemicals.” AFFF used at military bases is the single largest source of PFAS in U.S. drinking water.
Full PFAS overview — national data, health effects, all 50 statesWho Should Pay Closest Attention
Residents of Jacksonville and rural Pulaski/Lonoke County communities near Little Rock AFB face the most direct risk. Private well owners in this area should test their water, as private wells are unregulated for PFAS regardless of proximity to contamination sources.
Residents near military bases with AFFF use history
Private well owners near military or industrial sites
Pregnant residents and families with young children
Residents in communities with documented PFAS detections
Anyone who has consumed water above 4 ppt for an extended period
Residents near airports, fire training areas, or industrial manufacturers
How to Check Your Situation in Arkansas
- 1
Identify your water utility using the ZIP lookup below or by browsing the Arkansas utility directory on this site.
- 2
Review your utility's Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) — it must report PFAS monitoring results under UCMR5 and the new MCL.
- 3
Check the EPA's ECHO database for your utility's monitoring history. Look for PFAS, PFOA, PFOS, and related compound results.
- 4
Contact your utility directly and ask for their most recent PFAS test results and whether they are implementing treatment under the 2024 MCL.
- 5
If you use a private well near a military base, airport, or industrial facility, order a PFAS panel test from a state-certified laboratory. Tests typically cost $150–$400.
- 6
If PFAS is detected above 4 ppt in your source water, install a certified NSF/ANSI 58 reverse osmosis system or an NSF/ANSI 53-certified activated carbon filter rated for PFAS removal.
How to Remove PFAS from Tap Water
Reverse Osmosis (Best)
90–99% removal — NSF/ANSI 58 certified systems only
Certified Activated Carbon
Effective with NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 certification — verify before buying
Boiling concentrates PFAS. Standard pitcher filters and water softeners do not remove PFAS. Always verify NSF certification before purchasing.
Take Action Now
Look up your Arkansas utility's PFAS monitoring history on the PFAS Watchlist below.
If your utility has detected PFAS above 4 ppt, install an NSF/ANSI 58-certified reverse osmosis system at your drinking tap.
Private well owners near military or industrial sites should order a PFAS panel test ($150–$400 at a state-certified lab).
Request your utility's most recent Consumer Confidence Report — PFAS results must be disclosed under the new 2024 MCL.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Pages
PFAS — National Overview
All U.S. utilities with PFAS records
Arkansas PFAS Watchlist
Live utility PFAS monitoring data
Arkansas State Overview
All utilities and water quality data
Reverse Osmosis Guide
Removes 90–99% of PFAS
Activated Carbon Filter Guide
NSF/ANSI 53/58 certified options for PFAS
Arsenic in Drinking Water
Another priority contaminant
All Contaminants
Complete reference library
Data Sources & Provenance
All data on this page is sourced from official U.S. government or public datasets.
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Arkansas Department of Health ↗