Little Rock Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)

Central Arkansas Water (CAW) is the primary utility serving Little Rock, Arkansas, and surrounding areas in Pulaski and Saline Counties, providing water to over 400,000 residents. Water is drawn from two surface reservoirs: Lake Maumelle (13.9 square miles, supplying approximately 65% of demand) and Lake Winona (1.9 square miles, approximately 35% of demand). Both reservoirs can feed Jackson Reservoir for flow regulation before being piped to two treatment plants within Little Rock city limits: the Jack H. Wilson Water Treatment Plant and the Ozark Point Water Treatment Plant.

The watersheds feed into Lake Maumelle and Lake Winona, situated within the Ouachita Mountain region's Paleozoic geology — characterized by sandstones, shales, and minor limestones of the Ouachita orogenic belt. No major carbonate aquifer is involved; this is a pure surface water supply. The geology yields very soft water due to low dissolution of calcium and magnesium from the siliceous and low-carbonate bedrock, producing minimally mineralised chemistry with no significant scaling potential from the source geology.

Soft water in Little Rock means negligible scale buildup, sparing appliances such as water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines from mineral deposits that shorten lifespan or raise energy costs. Soap lathers easily, reducing detergent usage and preventing dry skin or soap scum. No water softener is needed or recommended; standard maintenance suffices. CAW employs conventional treatment — flash mixing, coagulation/flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection. Bromodichloromethane has been detected above health guidelines in some tests but meets federal and state regulatory limits. Customers can access the full Consumer Confidence Report at 221 East Capitol Ave, Little Rock, or by calling 501.377.1229.