Is Gateway, AR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
88.7/100
waterverge.com Gateway, AR — Water Quality Report
Gateway's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,325 residents using purchased surface water.
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 14 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Gateway's water
Gateway ranks #120 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, Gateway may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Gateway, AR water safe to drink?
Gateway's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (88.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,325 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Gateway
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Gateway's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.7/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3541). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3215). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Gateway's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Gateway's water system has 14 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Benton 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 White River At Beaver Dam Near Eureka Springs, White River Near Busch, Roaring River At Roaring River State Park.
Where does Gateway's water come from?
Gateway's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,325 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 Beaver Dam Near Eureka Springs (river), White River Near Busch (river), Roaring River At Roaring River State Park (river).
What Gateway residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Gateway's water.
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.
Gateway'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
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtBenton County is currently in D1 (moderate 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
Benton 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.
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. | 2.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Gateway compares by contaminant
Explore where Gateway ranks among all Arkansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Gateway's water comes from
Gateway'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 2,325 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Gateway
Gateway 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 Gateway
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GATEWAY PUBLIC WATER AUTHORITY | AR0000693 | 2,325 | SWP |
How Gateway compares
Full Arkansas rankings →Gateway's score of 88.7/100 is above the average of 75/100 among major Arkansas cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Arkansas rankings →About Gateway, AR
Wikipedia →Gateway is a town in Benton County, Arkansas, United States. The population was 436 at the 2020 census, up from 405 in 2010. It is part of the Northwest Arkansas region. The town's name reflects its situation as the "gateway" to and from Arkansas.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Gateway's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Benton
Frequently asked questions
Is Gateway, AR tap water safe to drink?
Gateway's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #120 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.
What contaminants are in Gateway's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 14 violations are on record.
How is Gateway'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 Gateway?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Gateway's water come from?
Gateway's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,325 residents.
How does Gateway's water compare to other cities?
Gateway ranks #120 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 65% of state cities) and #3296 out of 15744 cities nationally (79th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Gateway's small water system affect quality?
Gateway's system serves approximately 2,325 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 14 violations on record.