WaterVerge

Is Bono, AR Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded A+ with no contaminants above EPA limits. Here's everything we tested and how Bono ranks. What to do next ↓

3K residents served 1 water system PWSID: AR0000126
Overall Score
95.5 / 100
Violations
None active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#18 of 345 in Arkansas Top 2% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
A+GRADE
Water Quality Grade
95.5/100
waterverge.com
A+ 95.5/100

Bono, AR — Water Quality Report

Bono's drinking water received a grade of A+ (95.5 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,550 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 1.0 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 5 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.

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

What to know about Bono's water

Bono ranks #18 out of 345 cities in Arkansas for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.

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

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
95.5 out of 100 Grade A+
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
44.5/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
19/20
A
Lead at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
10/10
A
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Bono, AR water safe to drink?

Generally Safe

Based on EPA testing data, Bono's tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of A+ (95.5/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,550 residents using groundwater (wells).

None
Violations
1.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
7 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Bono

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

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Bono's water quality assessment. Grade: A+ (95.5/100).

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES, AND FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4873). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
HURRICANE LAURA

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

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

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

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

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

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

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

Key contaminant findings

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

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 1.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Bono's water system has 5 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.

MCLOtherMR
Most recent violations:
May 2003 Coliform (TCR) Resolved
Dec 1999 Coliform (TCR) Resolved
Sep 1997 Coliform (TCR) Resolved
Jun 1994 Coliform (TCR) Resolved
Jun 1994 Coliform (TCR) Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Craighead County has experienced 7 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 Cache River At Egypt.

SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4873
HURRICANE LAURA
Hurricane FEMA DR-3541
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA DR-3215

Where does Bono's water come from?

Bono's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,550 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Cache River At Egypt (river).

What Bono 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

Bono'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
1.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 7% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

5
Total violations
3
Health-based
0
Active / unresolved
May 2003
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

5 Total
0 Active
3 Health-based
5 Resolved
May 2003 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved May 2003
Dec 1999 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Dec 1999
Sep 1997 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Sep 1997
Jun 1994 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Other Violation Resolved Jun 1994
Jun 1994 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 1994
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Bono

Industrial polluters nearby

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

Total reported releases to surface water: 5 lbs

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
CAMFIL AIR POLLUTION CONTROL
Fabricated Metals · NA
JONESBORO, AR72401
Manganese59.7 mi
RICELAND FOODS INC. - JONESBORO DIV
Food · RICELAND FOODS INC
JONESBORO, AR72401
6.2 mi
ACME BRICK CO JONESBORO
Nonmetallic Mineral Product · BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC
JONESBORO, AR72401
4.7 mi
RAZORBACK CONCRETE 113
Nonmetallic Mineral Product · RAZORBACK CONCRETE
JONESBORO, AR72401
5.9 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D4 — exceptional drought

Craighead County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 63.9% of the county is in D4 (exceptional) drought. Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.

14
Weeks at D2+ (current streak)
13.7%
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

7
Declared disasters
May 2025
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Craighead County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1969. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

May 2025
SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4873
Aug 2020
HURRICANE LAURA
Hurricane FEMA #3541
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3215
Apr 1997
FLOODING, SEVERE STORMS
Flood FEMA #1176
May 1973
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #389
Apr 1973
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #375

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 1.0 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 (1.0 ppb) to 2003 (1.0 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
2,550
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Bono's water comes from

Groundwater

Bono'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 2,550 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Bono

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

Cache River At Egypt
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Bono

System Name PWSID Population Source
BONO WATERWORKS AR0000126 2,550 GW
Regional Comparison

How Bono compares

Full Arkansas rankings →

Bono's score of 95.5/100 is above the average of 75/100 among major Arkansas cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.

Bono (this city)
95.5
Springdale
79.1
Fort Smith
45.5
Arkansas avg
75
City Profile

About Bono, AR

Economic Profile
$48,611
Median Income
$126,013
Median Home Value
$833/mo
Median Rent
10.2%
Unemployment
Community
29.3
Median Age
362
People / sq mi
15.3%
College Educated
57.7%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Bono, AR tap water safe to drink?

Bono's water quality earned a grade of A+ (95.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #18 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.

What contaminants are in Bono's water?

Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 5 violations are on record.

How is Bono'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 Bono?

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

Where does Bono's water come from?

Bono's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,550 residents.

What health violations has Bono's water system had?

Bono has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in May 2003. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. All health violations have been resolved.

Is Bono's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Bono 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 5 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 Bono's water compare to other cities?

Bono ranks #18 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 95% of state cities) and #306 out of 15744 cities nationally (98th percentile). The grade of A+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Bono's small water system affect quality?

Bono's system serves approximately 2,550 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 5 violations on record.