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WaterSafeCheck

ZIP Code 71663 Water Quality Report

Portland, AR · Ashley County County

Safety Score
B

Water Safety Grade

Good — Minor issues on record

Health Violations

1

Total Violations

6

Lead Risk

High

Contaminants

1

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Active Water Quality Issues Detected

EPA records show 2 unresolved violations. Contact Hamburg Waterworks for current status.

About Tap Water in ZIP Code 71663

Tap water in ZIP code 71663 (Portland, AR) meets all federal safety standards and earns a solid B grade (score: 78/100). Served by Hamburg Waterworks, the water system has maintained general compliance with EPA Safe Drinking Water Act regulations, with only minor issues on record.

Water System

Hamburg Waterworks

EPA ID: AR0000015

Water Source

Ground Water

Population Served

5,600 residents

County

Ashley County County, Arkansas

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Lead Levels in ZIP 71663

EPA action level: 15 ppb | Public health goal: 0 ppb

Lead Data Not Available

Lead testing data was not found in EPA records for ZIP code 71663. This may occur with very small systems or systems that report under a parent utility. Contact Hamburg Waterworks directly to request lead testing results or a copy of their Consumer Confidence Report.

Lead exposure risk in 71663 is rated High. EPA models estimate a 60% probability of lead exposure risk in this ZIP code based on housing age, infrastructure age, and water system data. This typically reflects older housing stock built before 1986 (when lead pipes were banned), aging distribution infrastructure, or detected lead levels in water samples. Families should prioritize getting their tap water tested independently and installing a certified lead-reducing filter.

Lead Exposure Risk Rating
High
Lead Exposure Probability

EPA model estimate based on housing age and infrastructure

60%
Note: Lead levels above are the 90th percentile from EPA monitoring — meaning 90% of samples were at or below this level. Even "undetected" tap water lead doesn't account for lead leaching from home plumbing. If your home was built before 1986, individual tap testing is recommended.
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Violation History

Past 5 years — EPA SDWIS data

Hamburg Waterworks has recorded 1 health-based violation in the past 5 years. A single health violation means the water exceeded an EPA maximum contaminant level (MCL) at some point. Most water systems resolve these quickly, but residents should review the Consumer Confidence Report for details. 2 violations are currently unresolved — meaning the issue has not yet been formally corrected in EPA records. This is a serious concern that residents should follow up on with their water utility.

Total Violations (5 yr)
6
Health-Based Violations
1
Unresolved Violations
2
Boil Water Advisories
0
Compliance Risk
High

Regulatory compliance risk is rated High. Hamburg Waterworks has a pattern of compliance issues that goes beyond isolated incidents. Residents should stay informed via their utility's Consumer Confidence Report.

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Contaminants Detected

Contaminants with health-based violations on record

EPA records identify 1 contaminant associated with health-based violations in ZIP code 71663: Haloacetic Acids (HAA5). These contaminants exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) established by the EPA under the Safe Drinking Water Act at some point in the 5-year monitoring period. The presence of these violations does not necessarily mean water is currently unsafe — water systems are often required to increase monitoring and treatment when violations occur. Review the annual Consumer Confidence Report for the most current status.

Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)

⚖ Enforcement Actions

9 enforcement actions have been issued against Hamburg Waterworks — a high number that reflects sustained compliance struggles. Enforcement actions escalate from administrative orders to financial penalties when utilities repeatedly fail to meet safe drinking water standards.
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Water Source & Environmental Factors

Ground Water

This system draws water from underground aquifers. Groundwater is naturally filtered through soil and rock, but can still contain naturally occurring minerals like arsenic, radium, or nitrates.

Water Source Type
Ground Water
EPA Radon Zone

Lower potential

Zone 3
Annual Flood Risk Cost

Estimated annual flood-related costs per property

$7
Energy Burden

% of household income spent on energy — indicator of older infrastructure

3.64%

EPA Radon Zone 3 — lower radon potential, though the EPA still recommends testing all homes.

🛡 What Should You Do? — ZIP 71663 Recommendations

  • ✓ Run cold water for 30 seconds each morning before use — especially if pipes are old
  • ✓ Request your annual Consumer Confidence Report from Hamburg Waterworks
  • ✓ If your home was built before 1986, consider testing your own tap for lead
  • ✓ Use a pitcher filter (NSF/ANSI 42 certified) for improved taste

Frequently Asked Questions — ZIP 71663 Water Quality

Is tap water safe to drink in ZIP code 71663?+
Yes — tap water in 71663 (Portland, AR) currently meets all federal EPA standards with a water safety grade of B. No health-based violations are on record in the past 5 years. You can drink your tap water with confidence, though running the tap for 30 seconds in the morning is always a good practice.
What is the lead level in 71663 tap water?+
Lead level data from EPA monitoring is not available for 71663. Contact Hamburg Waterworks directly for the most recent lead testing results.
Who provides tap water to 71663?+
Tap water in ZIP code 71663 is provided by Hamburg Waterworks (EPA ID: AR0000015). This system serves approximately 5,600 residents. You can contact them directly for Consumer Confidence Reports, current advisories, and billing information.
What is the water source for 71663?+
ZIP code 71663 is served by ground water. Groundwater systems draw from underground aquifers. While naturally filtered, groundwater can still contain naturally occurring contaminants such as arsenic, radium, or nitrates at elevated levels in some regions.
Does 71663 have any active water quality violations?+
Yes — there are currently 2 unresolved violations on record for this water system. Unresolved violations indicate issues that have not yet been formally corrected in EPA tracking systems. Contact Hamburg Waterworks for the latest update.
How do I get a copy of my water quality report for 71663?+
Your water utility — Hamburg Waterworks — is required by law to send you an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) by July 1 each year. You can also request it directly from the utility or find it online by searching "Hamburg Waterworks Consumer Confidence Report." The EPA's ECHO database also has historical compliance data.
What water filter should I use in 71663?+
The right filter depends on what contaminants are present. For lead, look for a filter certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53. For chlorine byproducts (like THMs), NSF/ANSI 42 filters work well. For a broad range of contaminants including PFAS, look for NSF/ANSI 58 (reverse osmosis) systems. For ZIP code 71663, with detected contaminants including Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), a multi-stage filter or reverse osmosis system is recommended.
Is 71663 tap water safe for babies and infants?+
Infants are especially vulnerable to lead, nitrates, and microbial contaminants in drinking water. Current EPA data for 71663 shows no available lead data — we recommend using a certified NSF/ANSI 53 lead filter as a precaution for infant formula. Always consult your pediatrician for guidance specific to your child's health.

Data Sources & Methodology

Water quality data for ZIP code 71663 is compiled from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), EPA ECHO enforcement database, UCMR5 unregulated contaminant monitoring, and Consumer Confidence Reports filed by Hamburg Waterworks. Safety scores are composite metrics derived from violation history, lead levels, enforcement actions, and infrastructure risk indicators. Data reflects a 5-year monitoring window. Last dataset update: 2024. View EPA source data →