Is Bearden, AR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B- — but Lead was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
72.9/100
waterverge.com Bearden, AR — Water Quality Report
Bearden's drinking water received a grade of B- (72.9 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,511 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 18.0 ppb (90th percentile), which exceeds the EPA action level of 15 ppb. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 11 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Bearden's water
Bearden ranks #259 out of 345 cities in Arkansas for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Bearden 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.
Lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb, which typically indicates aging lead service lines or lead solder in the distribution system. An NSF 53-certified filter is strongly recommended for drinking and cooking water.
As a small community water system, Bearden may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Bearden, AR water safe to drink?
Bearden's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (72.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,511 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Bearden
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Bearden's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (72.9/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4873). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3541). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Bearden's water supply.
Exceeds EPA action level. Lead service line replacement and point-of-use filtration recommended.
Violation history
Bearden's water system has 11 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Ouachita County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1987. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies.
Where does Bearden's water come from?
Bearden's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,511 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Bearden residents can do
Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Bearden'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.
Bearden'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 Bearden
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Bearden, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
GENERAL DYNAMICS - OTS INC. (CAMDEN OP.) HAMPTON, AR71744 | — | — | 9.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtOuachita 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
Ouachita County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1987. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Bearden's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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. | 18.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Bearden compares by contaminant
Explore where Bearden ranks among all Arkansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Bearden's water comes from
Bearden'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 2,511 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Bearden
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BEARDEN WATERWORKS | AR0000401 | 2,511 | GW |
How Bearden compares
Full Arkansas rankings →Bearden's score of 72.9/100 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 Bearden, AR
Wikipedia →Bearden is a city in northeastern Ouachita County, Arkansas, United States. The population was 776 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Camden Micropolitan Statistical Area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Bearden's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Ouachita
Frequently asked questions
Is Bearden, AR tap water safe to drink?
Bearden's water quality earned a grade of B- (72.9/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #259 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.
What contaminants are in Bearden's water?
Lead was measured at 18.0 ppb (90th percentile). 11 violations are on record.
How is Bearden'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 Bearden?
Yes — lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb. We recommend an NSF 53-certified filter or reverse osmosis system. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Bearden's water come from?
Bearden's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,511 residents.
Is Bearden's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Bearden 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 11 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 Bearden's water compare to other cities?
Bearden ranks #259 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 25% of state cities) and #10206 out of 15744 cities nationally (35th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Bearden's small water system affect quality?
Bearden's system serves approximately 2,511 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 11 violations on record.