Is Bates Ville, AR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 7 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
84.3/100
waterverge.com Bates Ville, AR — Water Quality Report
Bates Ville's drinking water received a grade of B+ (84.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 830 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.0 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 16 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Bates Ville's water
Bates Ville ranks #187 out of 345 cities in Arkansas for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Bates Ville relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
As a small community water system, Bates Ville may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Bates Ville, AR water safe to drink?
Bates Ville's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (84.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 830 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Bates Ville
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Bates Ville's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (84.3/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Bates Ville's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Bates Ville's water system has 16 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Bates Ville's water come from?
Bates Ville's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 830 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Bates Ville residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Bates Ville'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.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Drought conditions
D4 — exceptional droughtSharp County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 79.0% 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.
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. | 2.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Bates Ville compares by contaminant
Explore where Bates Ville ranks among all Arkansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Bates Ville's water comes from
Bates Ville's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 830 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Bates Ville
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| OZARK ACRES WATER ASSOCIATION | AR0000530 | 830 | GW |
How Bates Ville compares
Full Arkansas rankings →Bates Ville's score of 84.3/100 is above the average of 75/100 among major Arkansas cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Arkansas rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Bates Ville's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Sharp
Frequently asked questions
Is Bates Ville, AR tap water safe to drink?
Bates Ville's water quality earned a grade of B+ (84.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #187 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.
What contaminants are in Bates Ville's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 16 violations are on record.
How is Bates Ville'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 Bates Ville?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Bates Ville's water come from?
Bates Ville's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 830 residents.
What health violations has Bates Ville's water system had?
Bates Ville has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in May 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 7 violations remain unresolved.
Is Bates Ville's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Bates Ville uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 16 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Bates Ville's water compare to other cities?
Bates Ville ranks #187 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 46% of state cities) and #5995 out of 15744 cities nationally (62th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Bates Ville's small water system affect quality?
Bates Ville's system serves approximately 830 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 16 violations on record.