Is Bauxite, AR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 12 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
78.3/100
waterverge.com Bauxite, AR — Water Quality Report
Bauxite's drinking water received a grade of B (78.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 705 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead data is not currently available for this system. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 21 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved.
What to know about Bauxite's water
Bauxite ranks #238 out of 345 cities in Arkansas for water quality, placing it below average 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.
As a small community water system, Bauxite may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Bauxite, AR water safe to drink?
Bauxite's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (78.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 705 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Bauxite
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Bauxite's water quality assessment. Grade: B (78.3/100).
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: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Violation history
Bauxite's water system has 21 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Saline County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1973. 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 Saline River At Benton, Saline River Near Shaw.
Where does Bauxite's water come from?
Bauxite's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 705 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Saline River At Benton (river), Saline River Near Shaw (river).
What Bauxite residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Bauxite'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.
Bauxite'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.
Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Bauxite
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Bauxite, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 43 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
PPG PROTECTIVE & MARINE COAT INGS ALEXANDER, AR72002 | Zinc compounds | 43 | 7.8 mi |
ALMATIS INC-BAUXITE ARKANSAS BENTON, AR72015 | — | — | 2.3 mi |
PARKER HANNIFIN CORP BENTON BENTON, AR72019 | — | — | 3.9 mi |
US VANADIUM BENTON LLC. BENTON, AR72015 | — | — | 1.8 mi |
PHELPS FAN LLC LITTLE ROCK, AR72209 | — | — | 9.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtSaline County is currently in D3 (extreme drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 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
Saline County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1973. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Full contaminants report
No contaminant data available for this city.
See how Bauxite compares by contaminant
Explore where Bauxite ranks among all Arkansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Bauxite's water comes from
Bauxite'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 705 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Bauxite
Bauxite is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Bauxite
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BAUXITE WATER | AR0000497 | 705 | SWP |
How Bauxite compares
Full Arkansas rankings →Bauxite's score of 78.3/100 is on par with the average of 75/100 among major Arkansas cities. It outscores 4 of 10 nearby cities. 6 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Arkansas rankings →About Bauxite, AR
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Bauxite's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Saline
Frequently asked questions
Is Bauxite, AR tap water safe to drink?
Bauxite's water quality earned a grade of B (78.3/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #238 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.
What contaminants are in Bauxite's water?
21 violations are on record.
How is Bauxite'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 Bauxite?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Bauxite's water come from?
Bauxite's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 705 residents.
What health violations has Bauxite's water system had?
Bauxite has 5 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in February 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 12 violations remain unresolved.
How does Bauxite's water compare to other cities?
Bauxite ranks #238 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 31% of state cities) and #8728 out of 15744 cities nationally (45th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Bauxite's small water system affect quality?
Bauxite's system serves approximately 705 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 21 violations on record.