WaterVerge

Is Bergman, AR Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded A, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

3K residents served 1 water system PWSID: AR0000060
Overall Score
92.9 / 100
Violations
2 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#46 of 345 in Arkansas Top 7% nationally
Local Government
High data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
AGRADE
Water Quality Grade
92.9/100
waterverge.com
A 92.9/100

Bergman, AR — Water Quality Report

Bergman's drinking water received a grade of A (92.9 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,285 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 13 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.

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

What to know about Bergman's water

Bergman ranks #46 out of 345 cities in Arkansas for water quality, placing it above average in the state.

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

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
92.9 out of 100 Grade A
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
43.9/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
19/20
A
Lead at 2.0 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 Bergman, AR water safe to drink?

Use Caution

Bergman's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (92.9/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,285 residents using groundwater (wells).

2
Active Violations
2.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
6 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Bergman

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

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Bergman's water quality assessment. Grade: A (92.9/100).

Disaster
HURRICANE LAURA

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3541). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Disaster
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3215). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).

Key contaminant findings

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

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 2.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Bergman's water system has 13 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.

MROtherMCL
Most recent violations:
Jan 2008 Coliform (TCR) Resolved
Jul 2007 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Dec 2002 Coliform (TCR) Resolved
May 2002 Coliform (TCR) Resolved
May 2001 Coliform (TCR) Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Boone County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1969. 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 Bear Creek Near Omaha.

HURRICANE LAURA
Hurricane FEMA DR-3541
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA DR-3215
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-865

Where does Bergman's water come from?

Bergman's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,285 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Bear Creek Near Omaha (river).

What Bergman residents can do

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

Bergman'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
2.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 13% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

13
Total violations
2
Health-based
2
Active / unresolved
Jan 2008
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

13 Total
2 Active
2 Health-based
11 Resolved
Violations by category
Total Coliform Rule
11
Consumer Confidence Rule
1
Jul 2007 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Jan 2008 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jan 2008
Dec 2002 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Dec 2002
May 2002 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved May 2002
May 2001 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved May 2001
Sep 1994 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 1994
Aug 1994 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Aug 1994
Dec 1993 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1993
Nov 1993 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Other Violation Resolved Nov 1993
Nov 1993 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Nov 1993
Oct 1993 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Oct 1993
Aug 1993 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Aug 1993
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Bergman

Industrial polluters nearby

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

Total reported releases to surface water: 15 lbs

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
ADC MANUFACTURING
Fabricated Metals · MERCHANTS METALS LLC
HARRISON, AR72601
Zinc compounds158.3 mi
PACE INDUSTRIES INC.
Primary Metals · PACE INDUSTRIES LLC
HARRISON, AR72601
7.3 mi
STRAND COMPOSITES LLC.
Plastics and Rubber · NA
HARRISON, AR72601
8.2 mi
PACE INDUSTRIES INC
Primary Metals · PACE INDUSTRIES LLC
HARRISON, AR72601
8.4 mi
TYSON POULTRY INC BERGMAN FEED MILL
Food · TYSON FOODS INC
BERGMAN, AR72615
0.3 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D3 — extreme drought

Boone 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.

14
Weeks at D2+ (current streak)
8.9%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
14
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

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

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

6
Declared disasters
Aug 2020
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Boone County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1969. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Aug 2020
HURRICANE LAURA
Hurricane FEMA #3541
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3215
May 1990
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #865
Apr 1973
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #375
Jan 1972
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #321
Feb 1969
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #254

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 2.0 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 decreased by 0.0 ppb from 1993 (2.0 ppb) to 2003 (2.0 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
3,285
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Bergman's water comes from

Groundwater

Bergman'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 3,285 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Bergman

Bergman is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Bear Creek Near Omaha
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Bergman

System Name PWSID Population Source
BERGMAN WATERWORKS AR0000060 3,285 GW
Regional Comparison

How Bergman compares

Full Arkansas rankings →

Bergman's score of 92.9/100 is above the average of 75/100 among major Arkansas cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.

Bergman (this city)
92.9
Springdale
79.1
Fort Smith
45.5
Arkansas avg
75
City Profile

About Bergman, AR

Economic Profile
$58,977
Median Income
$117,991
Median Home Value
$1,019/mo
Median Rent
1%
Unemployment
Community
35.3
Median Age
188
People / sq mi
7.1%
College Educated
84.8%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Bergman, AR tap water safe to drink?

Bergman's water quality earned a grade of A (92.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #46 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.

What contaminants are in Bergman's water?

Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 13 violations are on record.

How is Bergman'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 Bergman?

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

Where does Bergman's water come from?

Bergman's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,285 residents.

What health violations has Bergman's water system had?

Bergman has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2008. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.

Is Bergman's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Bergman 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 13 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 Bergman's water compare to other cities?

Bergman ranks #46 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 87% of state cities) and #1051 out of 15744 cities nationally (93th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Bergman's small water system affect quality?

Bergman's system serves approximately 3,285 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 13 violations on record.