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WaterSafeCheck

ZIP Code 71740 Water Quality Report

Emerson, AR · Columbia County County

Safety Score
A

Water Safety Grade

Excellent — Meets all EPA standards

Health Violations

1

Total Violations

14

Lead Risk

Moderate

Contaminants

1

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Active Water Quality Issues Detected

EPA records show 0 unresolved violation. Contact Emerson Waterworks for current status.

About Tap Water in ZIP Code 71740

Tap water in ZIP code 71740 (Emerson, AR) is among the safest in the country. Served by Emerson Waterworks, this area earned a water safety grade of A with a composite score of 87/100 — indicating full regulatory compliance and low contaminant risk across EPA monitoring periods.

Water System

Emerson Waterworks

EPA ID: AR0000111

Water Source

Ground Water

Population Served

1,145 residents

County

Columbia County County, Arkansas

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Lead Levels in ZIP 71740

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 71740. This may occur with very small systems or systems that report under a parent utility. Contact Emerson Waterworks directly to request lead testing results or a copy of their Consumer Confidence Report.

Lead exposure risk in 71740 is rated Moderate. EPA models estimate a 32% probability of lead exposure risk in this ZIP code based on housing age, infrastructure age, and water system data. This may reflect a mix of older and newer housing stock and infrastructure. Families with young children should test their home's water and consider a certified NSF/ANSI 53 water filter.

Lead Exposure Risk Rating
Moderate
Lead Exposure Probability

EPA model estimate based on housing age and infrastructure

32%
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

Emerson 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.

Total Violations (5 yr)
14
Health-Based Violations
1
Unresolved Violations
0
Boil Water Advisories
0
Compliance Risk
High

Regulatory compliance risk is rated High. Emerson 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 71740: Consumer Confidence Report Rule. 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.

Consumer Confidence Report Rule

⚖ Enforcement Actions

10 enforcement actions have been issued against Emerson 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
Energy Burden

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

2.64%

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

🛡 What Should You Do? — ZIP 71740 Recommendations

  • ✓ Run cold water for 30 seconds each morning before use — especially if pipes are old
  • ✓ Request your annual Consumer Confidence Report from Emerson 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 71740 Water Quality

Is tap water safe to drink in ZIP code 71740?+
Yes — tap water in 71740 (Emerson, AR) currently meets all federal EPA standards with a water safety grade of A. 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 71740 tap water?+
Lead level data from EPA monitoring is not available for 71740. Contact Emerson Waterworks directly for the most recent lead testing results.
Who provides tap water to 71740?+
Tap water in ZIP code 71740 is provided by Emerson Waterworks (EPA ID: AR0000111). This system serves approximately 1,145 residents. You can contact them directly for Consumer Confidence Reports, current advisories, and billing information.
What is the water source for 71740?+
ZIP code 71740 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 71740 have any active water quality violations?+
There are 1 health-based violation in the past 5-year record, but no currently unresolved violations according to EPA data. This means past issues have been addressed.
How do I get a copy of my water quality report for 71740?+
Your water utility — Emerson 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 "Emerson Waterworks Consumer Confidence Report." The EPA's ECHO database also has historical compliance data.
What water filter should I use in 71740?+
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 71740, with detected contaminants including Consumer Confidence Report Rule, a multi-stage filter or reverse osmosis system is recommended.
Is 71740 tap water safe for babies and infants?+
Infants are especially vulnerable to lead, nitrates, and microbial contaminants in drinking water. Current EPA data for 71740 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 71740 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 Emerson 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 →