Is Bear River, UT Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 6 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
83.7/100
waterverge.com Bear River, UT — Water Quality Report
Bear River's drinking water received a grade of B+ (83.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 880 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 4.8 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 125 violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about Bear River's water
Bear River ranks #59 out of 177 cities in Utah for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Bear River 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, Bear River may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Bear River, UT water safe to drink?
Bear River's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (83.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 880 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Bear River
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Bear River's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (83.7/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Bear River's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Bear River's water system has 125 total violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Bear River's water come from?
Bear River's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 880 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Bear River residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Bear River'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtBox Elder 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.
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. | 4.8 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Bear River compares by contaminant
Explore where Bear River ranks among all Utah cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Bear River's water comes from
Bear River'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 private ownership and serves approximately 880 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Bear River
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACME WATER COMPANY | UTAH02001 | 880 | GW |
How Bear River compares
Full Utah rankings →Bear River's score of 83.7/100 is above the average of 50/100 among major Utah cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Utah rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Bear River's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Box Elder
Frequently asked questions
Is Bear River, UT tap water safe to drink?
Bear River's water quality earned a grade of B+ (83.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #59 out of 177 cities tested in Utah.
What contaminants are in Bear River's water?
Lead was measured at 4.8 ppb (90th percentile). 125 violations are on record.
How is Bear River'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 Bear River?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Bear River's water come from?
Bear River's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 880 residents.
What health violations has Bear River's water system had?
Bear River has 9 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 6 violations remain unresolved.
Is Bear River's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Bear River 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 125 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 Bear River's water compare to other cities?
Bear River ranks #59 out of 177 cities in Utah (better than 67% of state cities) and #6309 out of 15744 cities nationally (60th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Bear River's small water system affect quality?
Bear River's system serves approximately 880 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 125 violations on record.