Is Burdette, AR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A with no contaminants above EPA limits. Here's everything we tested and how Burdette ranks. What to do next ↓
93.4/100
waterverge.com Burdette, AR — Water Quality Report
Burdette's drinking water received a grade of A (93.4 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 798 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 6.0 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 4 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
What to know about Burdette's water
Burdette ranks #38 out of 345 cities in Arkansas for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Burdette 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Burdette may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Burdette, AR water safe to drink?
Based on EPA testing data, Burdette's tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of A (93.4/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 798 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Burdette
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Burdette's water quality assessment. Grade: A (93.4/100).
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.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Burdette's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Burdette's water system has 4 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Mississippi County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1973. 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 Burdette's water come from?
Burdette's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 798 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Burdette 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.
Burdette'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 Burdette
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Burdette, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 614 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ACTAGRO LLC OSCEOLA, AR72370 | Ammonia | 500 | 9.1 mi |
PLUM POINT ENERGY STATION OSCEOLA, AR72370 | Barium And Barium Compounds | 112 | 9.7 mi |
NIBCO INC BLYTHEVILLE DIV BLYTHEVILLE, AR72315 | Copper | 2 | 8.7 mi |
PRIMETALS TECHNOLOGIES USA LLC BLYTHEVILLE, AR72315 | — | — | 9.5 mi |
GOWAN MILLING BLYTHEVILLE LLC BLYTHEVILLE, AR72315 | — | — | 9.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtMississippi 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
Mississippi County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1973. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Burdette'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. | 6.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Burdette compares by contaminant
Explore where Burdette ranks among all Arkansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Burdette's water comes from
Burdette'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 798 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Burdette
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BURDETTE WATERWORKS | AR0000366 | 798 | GW |
How Burdette compares
Full Arkansas rankings →Burdette's score of 93.4/100 is above the average of 75/100 among major Arkansas cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Arkansas rankings →About Burdette, AR
Wikipedia →Burdette is a town in Mississippi County, Arkansas, United States. The population was 140 at the 2020 census, down from 191 in 2010.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Burdette's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Mississippi
Frequently asked questions
Is Burdette, AR tap water safe to drink?
Burdette's water quality earned a grade of A (93.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #38 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.
What contaminants are in Burdette's water?
Lead was measured at 6.0 ppb (90th percentile). 4 violations are on record.
How is Burdette'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 Burdette?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Burdette's water come from?
Burdette's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 798 residents.
What health violations has Burdette's water system had?
Burdette has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2015. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. All health violations have been resolved.
Is Burdette's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Burdette 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 4 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 Burdette's water compare to other cities?
Burdette ranks #38 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 89% of state cities) and #863 out of 15744 cities nationally (95th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Burdette's small water system affect quality?
Burdette's system serves approximately 798 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 4 violations on record.