Is Bull Shoals, 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 ↓
87.3/100
waterverge.com Bull Shoals, AR — Water Quality Report
Bull Shoals's drinking water received a grade of A- (87.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,835 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 4.0 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 17 violations on record, including 15 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Bull Shoals's water
Bull Shoals ranks #145 out of 345 cities in Arkansas for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
As a small community water system, Bull Shoals may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Bull Shoals, AR water safe to drink?
Bull Shoals's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (87.3/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,835 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Bull Shoals
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Bull Shoals's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87.3/100).
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: Public Notice.
1 health-based. Contaminants: CARBON, TOTAL.
1 health-based. Contaminants: CARBON, TOTAL.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Bull Shoals's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Bull Shoals's water system has 17 total violations on record, including 15 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Marion 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 White River At Bull Shoals Dam Near Flippin, White River Below Bull Shoals Dam At Bull Shoals, White River Below Bull Shoals Dam Near Fairview.
Where does Bull Shoals's water come from?
Bull Shoals's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,835 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include White River At Bull Shoals Dam Near Flippin (river), White River Below Bull Shoals Dam At Bull Shoals (river), White River Below Bull Shoals Dam Near Fairview (river).
What Bull Shoals residents can do
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.
Bull Shoals'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 Bull Shoals
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Bull Shoals, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
RANGER BOATS FLIPPIN, AR72634 | — | — | 3.9 mi |
ADVANCED MARINE PERFORMANCE LLC. FLIPPIN, AR72634 | — | — | 6.7 mi |
TRITON BOATS MIDWAY, AR72651 | — | — | 7.7 mi |
EZ LOADER CUSTOM BOAT TRAILERS INC. MIDWAY, AR72651 | — | — | 7.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D4 — exceptional droughtMarion County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 8.3% 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.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Marion 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.
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. | 4.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Bull Shoals compares by contaminant
Explore where Bull Shoals ranks among all Arkansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Bull Shoals's water comes from
Bull Shoals's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 2,835 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Bull Shoals
Bull Shoals is located near 3 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Bull Shoals
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BULL SHOALS WATER SYSTEM | AR0000352 | 2,835 | SWP |
| MARION COUNTY REG WATER DIST | AR0000770 | — | SW |
How Bull Shoals compares
Full Arkansas rankings →Bull Shoals's score of 87.3/100 is above the average of 75/100 among major Arkansas cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Arkansas rankings →About Bull Shoals, AR
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Bull Shoals's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Marion
Frequently asked questions
Is Bull Shoals, AR tap water safe to drink?
Bull Shoals's water quality earned a grade of A- (87.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #145 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.
What contaminants are in Bull Shoals's water?
Lead was measured at 4.0 ppb (90th percentile). 17 violations are on record.
How is Bull Shoals'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 Bull Shoals?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Bull Shoals's water come from?
Bull Shoals's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,835 residents.
What health violations has Bull Shoals's water system had?
Bull Shoals has 15 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in September 2018. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
How does Bull Shoals's water compare to other cities?
Bull Shoals ranks #145 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 58% of state cities) and #4133 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.