Is Bald Knob, AR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 7 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
86/100
waterverge.com Bald Knob, AR — Water Quality Report
Bald Knob's drinking water received a grade of A- (86 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 5,535 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 34 violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Bald Knob's water
Bald Knob ranks #163 out of 345 cities in Arkansas for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Bald Knob, AR water safe to drink?
Bald Knob's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (86/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 5,535 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Bald Knob
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Bald Knob's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4873). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3541). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Bald Knob's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Bald Knob's water system has 34 total violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
White County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1975. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include Cutoff Creek Near Rio Vista, Glaise Creek Near Rio Vista, Little Red River At Judsonia.
Where does Bald Knob's water come from?
Bald Knob's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 5,535 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Cutoff Creek Near Rio Vista (river), Glaise Creek Near Rio Vista (river), Little Red River At Judsonia (river).
What Bald Knob residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Bald Knob's water.
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Bald Knob's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Bald Knob
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Bald Knob, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
BRYCE CO LLC SEARCY, AR72143 | — | — | 9.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D4 — exceptional droughtWhite County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 12.1% of the county is in D4 (exceptional) drought. Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
White County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1975. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Bald Knob compares by contaminant
Explore where Bald Knob ranks among all Arkansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Bald Knob's water comes from
Bald Knob's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 5,535 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Bald Knob
Bald Knob is located near 3 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Bald Knob
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BALD KNOB WATERWORKS | AR0000584 | 2,911 | SWP |
| BALD KNOB NORTH WATER ASSOC | AR0000689 | 2,624 | SWP |
How Bald Knob compares
Full Arkansas rankings →Bald Knob's score of 86/100 is above the average of 75/100 among major Arkansas cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Arkansas rankings →About Bald Knob, AR
Wikipedia →Bald Knob is a city in White County, Arkansas, United States. The population was 2,522 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Bald Knob's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across White
Frequently asked questions
Is Bald Knob, AR tap water safe to drink?
Bald Knob's water quality earned a grade of A- (86/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #163 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.
What contaminants are in Bald Knob's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 34 violations are on record.
How is Bald Knob's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Bald Knob?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Bald Knob's water come from?
Bald Knob's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 5,535 residents.
What health violations has Bald Knob's water system had?
Bald Knob has 11 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in May 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 7 violations remain unresolved.
How does Bald Knob's water compare to other cities?
Bald Knob ranks #163 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 53% of state cities) and #4975 out of 15744 cities nationally (68th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.