Understanding the Sample Size and Water Sources Behind Local Data
Crittenden County’s drinking water is supplied primarily from groundwater sources managed by the Marion Waterworks system, which serves over 13,000 people through more than 5,700 connections. The publicly available data reflects sampling and treatment at the system level, not from individual household taps or wells. When reviewing this data, it is important to recognize that results are compiled from multiple wells across the area, representing a general overview rather than specific home conditions.
Seasonal and Multi-Year Trends in the Water Record
The Marion Waterworks system’s records show testing over various years, including recent lead sampling completed at the end of 2025. Multiple treatment processes are documented, indicating ongoing efforts to maintain water quality. Seasonal variation and changes over multiple years can affect constituent levels, but local long-term data provides a stable context for understanding water characteristics rather than isolated fluctuations.
Interpreting the Median and Range Values for Your Household
For example, the lead concentration reported at the 90th percentile was 0.001 mg/L. This figure is not a direct measurement of your drinking water but rather an indicator of plumbing and distribution levels across many sites. It represents the concentration below which 90% of samples fell, implying that most homes experience equal or lower levels. This median provides a reference point, but only direct testing at your tap can determine your exact water quality.
Preparing to Seek Treatment Advice: What to Document
Before exploring treatment options, note the following details about your water supply and household needs: the source of your water (public system or private well), recent lab test results if available, any noticeable water characteristics (taste, odor, staining), and household size or water usage patterns. This information will help in assessing the most appropriate treatment technology for your situation.
Comparing Crittenden’s Water Record with Neighboring Counties
While each county’s water system has its own data, comparisons should be made cautiously. Differences in source water types, treatment processes, and sampling frequency can influence results. For Crittenden, the groundwater source and the documented treatment steps provide a specific context that might differ from neighboring counties using surface water or different treatment methods. Relying solely on comparative data without considering these factors can lead to incorrect assumptions about water quality.
What the Measured Ranges Mean Relative to Federal Standards
The presence of detected constituents such as lead, as sampled in Crittenden’s water system, does not in itself indicate a violation or safety concern. Detected levels are measured values and must be understood alongside federal health-based standards. Exceeding aesthetic thresholds related to taste or staining does not imply the water is unsafe. The system’s record shows six health-based violations, reflecting regulatory compliance actions, but these apply to the system broadly rather than specifically to any one home.
To address concerns about the quality of your household’s safe drinking water, the C-Series Safe Drinking Water Filter ships ready to configure and is designed to reduce a range of contaminants, enhancing the water you use daily. Consulting your own trusted water test remains the best way to determine your treatment needs.
Where this information comes from
Source: EPA SDWIS public water system record. Sampled 2025-12-31. These figures describe the public water system's record, not the plumbing inside any individual building.
On record: EPA SDWIS record for MARION WATERWORKS (AR0000152), groundwater supply, serving 13032 people: 6 health-based violations of 11 total; lead 90th percentile 0.001 mg/L