National Drinking Water Database
Alpha particle activity in Arkansas
Alpha particles are a form of radiation released from mining waste pollutants and natural sources. [read more]
The Most Polluted Communities in Arkansas
160 water utilities reported detecting Alpha particle activity in tap water since 2004, according to EWG's analysis of water quality data supplied by state water agencies
Ranked by highest average Alpha particle activity level
| Rank | System | Population Served | Positive test results of total reported tests | Average Level (Range) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Mountain Water Assn Marshall, AR | 440 | 20 of 20 | 8.42 pCi/L (4.8 to 17 pCi/L) |
| 2 | Sdm Water Association Marshall, AR | 373 | 21 of 21 | 8.37 pCi/L (4.7 to 16 pCi/L) |
| 3 | MT Sherman Water Association Jasper, AR | 732 | 21 of 21 | 7.02 pCi/L (4.6 to 12 pCi/L) |
| 4 | Big Flat Waterworks Big Flat, AR | 523 | 17 of 17 | 6.64 pCi/L (4.2 to 10 pCi/L) |
| 5 | Diamond City Water Diamond City, AR | 1,390 | 20 of 21 | 6.26 pCi/L (0 to 13 pCi/L) |
| 6 | Holiday Island Waterworks Eureka Springs, AR | 3,453 | 23 of 23 | 5.96 pCi/L (1.1 to 9.83 pCi/L) |
| 7 | Mockingbird Hill Water Assoc Jasper, AR | 693 | 23 of 23 | 5.82 pCi/L (2.2 to 8.9 pCi/L) |
| 8 | Lead Hill Waterworks Lead Hill, AR | 482 | 22 of 22 | 5.59 pCi/L (2.1 to 13 pCi/L) |
| 9 | Valley Springs Waterworks Valley Springs, AR | 2,950 | 25 of 25 | 5.45 pCi/L (2.03 to 13.5 pCi/L) |
| 10 | East Newton County Water Assn Vendor, AR | 1,528 | 22 of 22 | 5.37 pCi/L (1.25 to 10 pCi/L) |
Health Based Limits for Alpha particle activity
| Standard | Description | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Contaminant Limit Goal (MCLG) | A non-enforceable health goal that is set at a level at which no known or anticipated adverse effect on the health of persons occurs and which allows an adequate margin of safety. Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. | 0 pCi/L |
| Maximum Contaminant Limit (MCL) | The enforceable standard which defines the highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCLs are set as close to health-based limits (Maximum Contaminant Level Goals, or MCLGs) as feasible using the best available analytical and treatment technologies and taking cost into consideration. Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. | 15 pCi/L |
Violation Summary for Alpha particle activity in Arkansas
There are no violations reported for this contaminant in Arkansas