Public Notice
January 20, 2026
The NE YELL COUNTY WATER ASSOC is public water system subject to regulation under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act. Those regulations require the notification of customers whenever a violation occurs, and is the basis for this notice.
The annual average of quarterly samples of the level of total trihalomethanes, a disinfection by-product, in the water exceeded the maximum contaminant level of 80 parts per billion for the period from July 2025 through September 2025. The average level in your water for site# 697YD008 this period was 82 ppb.
The U.S. Enviromental Protection Agency sets national standards for drinking water and has established the maximum level for Total Trihalomethanes at 80 micrograms per liter. Trihalomethanes are agroup of by-product chemicals which are formed by the use of chlorine in the treatment of drinking water. Disinfectants, such as chlorine, react with naturally occurring organic and inorganic matter present in water to form chemicals called disinfection byproducts (DBPs). EPA has determined that a number of DBPs are a health concern at certin levels of exposure.
Some people who drink water trihalomethanes in excess of the MCL over many years may experience problems with their liver, kidneys or central nervous system, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer. EPA has set standards to limit exposure to trihalomethanes, haloacetic acids, and other DBPs.
The Arkansas Department of Health has advised the water system that there is no immediate health risk from consuming the water. Failure to meet requirments does not mean that the water is unsafe or that alternate sources of water should be used.
The water system has increased it's flushing program.
Should you have any question concerning this notice, contact the water system at 479-229-2800 or the Engineering Section of the Department of Health at 501-661-2623
Information on drinnking water can be obtained from the Engineering Section at 501-661-2623 and on the health effects of Trihalomethanes from the Epidemiology Section at 501-280-4186.
