WaterVerge

Is Benson, UT Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded A-, with 6 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

743 residents served 1 water system PWSID: UTAH03097
Overall Score
87.4 / 100
Violations
6 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#37 of 177 in Utah Top 26% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
A-GRADE
Water Quality Grade
87.4/100
waterverge.com
A- 87.4/100

Benson, UT — Water Quality Report

Benson's drinking water received a grade of A- (87.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 743 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 4.2 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 83 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 6 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Benson's water

Benson ranks #37 out of 177 cities in Utah for water quality, placing it above average in the state.

Benson 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, Benson may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
87.4 out of 100 Grade A-
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
39.4/45
B
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
18/20
A
Lead at 4.2 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
8/10
B
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Benson, UT water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Benson's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (87.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 743 residents using groundwater (wells).

6
Active Violations
4.2 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
4 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Benson

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Benson's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87.4/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.

Disaster
SEVERE WINTER STORMS AND FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4311). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).

Disaster
FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4011). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Benson's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 4.2 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Benson's water system has 83 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 6 remain unresolved.

OtherTTMR
Most recent violations:
Oct 2019 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Jul 2019 Groundwater Rule Open
Aug 2013 Coliform (TCR) Resolved
Jan 2011 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Jan 2010 Nitrate Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Cache County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1986. 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 Cub River, Bear River, Summit Creek, Logan River Above State Dam,, Com F Logan R Ab St D And Cache Hl Can Nr Logan.

SEVERE WINTER STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4311
FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4011
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Coastal Storm FEMA DR-3223

Where does Benson's water come from?

Benson's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 743 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Cub River (river), Bear River (river), Summit Creek (river), Logan River Above State Dam, (river), Com F Logan R Ab St D And Cache Hl Can Nr Logan (river).

What Benson residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Benson's water.

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Flush your taps

Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.

Monitor alerts during storms

Benson'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
4.2 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 28% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

83
Total violations
1
Health-based
6
Active / unresolved
Oct 2019
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

83 Total
6 Active
1 Health-based
77 Resolved
Violations by category
Synthetic Organic Chemicals
24
Inorganic Chemicals
22
Volatile Organic Chemicals
21
Total Coliform Rule
3
Lead and Copper Rule
3
Oct 2019 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2019 Active
Groundwater Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Jan 2011 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jan 1997 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 1996 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Aug 2013 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Aug 2013
Jan 2010 Resolved
Nitrate
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2010
Jan 2008 Resolved
DICHLOROMETHANE
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2010
Jan 2008 Resolved
o-Dichlorobenzene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2010
Jan 2008 Resolved
p-Dichlorobenzene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2010
Jan 2008 Resolved
1,1-Dichloroethylene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2010
Jan 2008 Resolved
trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2010
Jan 2008 Resolved
1,2-Dichloroethane
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2010
Jan 2008 Resolved
1,1,1-Trichloroethane
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2010
Jan 2008 Resolved
Carbon tetrachloride
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2010
Jan 2008 Resolved
1,2-Dichloropropane
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2010
Jan 2008 Resolved
Trichloroethylene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2010
Jan 2008 Resolved
1,1,2-Trichloroethane
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2010
Jan 2008 Resolved
Tetrachloroethylene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2010
Showing 20 of 83 violations
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Benson

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Benson, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

Total reported releases to surface water: 0 lbs

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
TTM TECHNOLOGIES INC.
Computers and Electronic Products · TTM TECHNOLOGIES INC
LOGAN, UT84321
Copper And Copper Compounds04.0 mi
SWIFT BEEF CO
Food · JBS USA FOOD CO
HYRUM, UT84319
8.2 mi
HYRUM HOT PLANT
Petroleum · KILGORE COS LLC
HYRUM, UT84319
9.1 mi
WEST POINT DAIRY PRODUCTS INC
Food · WUETHRICH BROTHERS-NEBRASKA LLC
HYRUM, UT84319
8.3 mi
BAICOR
Chemicals · BRANDT CONSOLIDATED INC
LOGAN, UT84321
4.1 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D2 — severe drought

Cache County is currently in D2 (severe 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.

6
Weeks at D2+ (current streak)
25.5%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
6
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

4
Declared disasters
Apr 2017
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Cache County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1986. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Apr 2017
SEVERE WINTER STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4311
Aug 2011
FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4011
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Coastal Storm FEMA #3223
Mar 1986
HEAVY RAINS, SNOWMELT & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #760

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 4.2 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has increased by 0.2 ppb from 1994 (4.0 ppb) to 2024 (4.2 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
743
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Benson's water comes from

Groundwater

Benson'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 743 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Benson

Benson is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Cub River
river
Bear River
river
Summit Creek
river
Logan River Above State Dam,
river
Com F Logan R Ab St D And Cache Hl Can Nr Logan
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Benson

System Name PWSID Population Source
BENSON CULINARY IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT UTAH03097 743 GW
Regional Comparison

How Benson compares

Full Utah rankings →

Benson's score of 87.4/100 is above the average of 50/100 among major Utah cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.

Benson (this city)
87.4
Orem
40.7
Sandy
39.5
Lehi
44.9
Utah avg
50
City Profile

About Benson, UT

Wikipedia →

Benson is a census-designated place (CDP) in Cache County, Utah, United States. It is immediately south of Amalga, across Utah State Route 218, and is west of the Logan-Cache Airport. The population was 1,492 at the 2020 census. It is included in the Logan, Utah-Idaho Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Economic Profile
$69,188
Median Income
$262,152
Median Home Value
$946/mo
Median Rent
7.5%
Unemployment
Community
32.8
Median Age
23
People / sq mi
36.8%
College Educated
73.2%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Benson, UT tap water safe to drink?

Benson's water quality earned a grade of A- (87.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #37 out of 177 cities tested in Utah.

What contaminants are in Benson's water?

Lead was measured at 4.2 ppb (90th percentile). 83 violations are on record.

How is Benson'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 Benson?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Benson's water come from?

Benson's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 743 residents.

What health violations has Benson's water system had?

Benson has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2019. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 6 violations remain unresolved.

Is Benson's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Benson 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 83 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 Benson's water compare to other cities?

Benson ranks #37 out of 177 cities in Utah (better than 79% of state cities) and #4099 out of 15744 cities nationally (74th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Benson's small water system affect quality?

Benson's system serves approximately 743 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 83 violations on record.