Nitrite in Arkansas Drinking Water
Arkansas has 3,972 public water systems. 1914 have recorded nitrite violations.
Total Systems
3,972
With Violations
1,914
EPA MCL
1
Population Served
3.0M
Nitrite in Arkansas: Key Facts
Total Water Systems
3,972
Systems with Violations
1,914
Lead Violations
51
Copper Violations
73
EPA Standard
1 mg/L as N
MCLG (goal): 1 mg/L
Water Systems with Violations in Arkansas
| System | Population | Violations |
|---|---|---|
| BOIS D ARC WATER SYSTEM | 53 | 1109 |
| ODEN-PENCIL BLUFF WATER ASSN | 393 | 855 |
| HOSANNA HEIGHTS WATER | 52 | 644 |
| NORMAN WATERWORKS | 750 | 625 |
| SDM WATER ASSOCIATION | 520 | 624 |
| DEER WATER ASSOCIATION | 938 | 549 |
| PICKENS WATERWORKS | 49 | 543 |
| PANGBURN WATERWORKS | 3K | 442 |
Health Effects of Nitrite Exposure
Blue baby syndrome
Can block oxygen in blood of infants under 6 months
Methemoglobinemia
Converts hemoglobin, reducing blood oxygen-carrying capacity
Infants below 6 months can develop methemoglobinemia ('blue baby syndrome'). Combined nitrate+nitrite limit is 10 mg/L.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there nitrite in Arkansas water?
Arkansas has 3,972 public water systems. 1914 have recorded nitrite violations based on EPA SDWIS data. If you are on a private well, your water is not covered by these regulations and should be tested independently.
How can I check my Arkansas water for nitrite?
Search for your water system using the WaterCheck system lookup, or contact your utility and request a copy of your Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). The CCR is published annually and lists all detected contaminants, their levels, and the EPA MCLs. For private wells, contact a state-certified lab for independent testing.
What is the EPA limit for nitrite?
The EPA Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for nitrite is 1 mg/L as N. Systems that exceed MCLs are required to notify customers and take corrective action.
Nitrite at a Glance
Source
Runoff from fertilizer use; leaching from septic tanks and sewage; erosion of natural deposits
How to Filter Nitrite
- +Reverse osmosis removes nitrite
- +Ion exchange systems can remove nitrite
- +Do not give water with elevated nitrite to infants