Is Mineral Springs, AR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 6 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
89.9/100
Mineral Springs, AR — Water Quality Report
Mineral Springs's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,710 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 40 violations on record, including 14 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about Mineral Springs's water
Mineral Springs ranks #95 out of 345 cities in Arkansas for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Mineral Springs 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, Mineral Springs may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Mineral Springs, AR water safe to drink?
Mineral Springs's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (89.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,710 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Mineral Springs
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Mineral Springs's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.9/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3541). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR), Groundwater Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
1 health-based. 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 Mineral Springs's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Mineral Springs's water system has 40 total violations on record, including 14 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Howard 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 Saline River Near Lockesburg.
Where does Mineral Springs's water come from?
Mineral Springs's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,710 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Saline River Near Lockesburg (river).
What Mineral Springs residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Mineral Springs'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.
Mineral Springs'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 Mineral Springs
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Mineral Springs, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 359,784 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
TYSON POULTRY INC. - NASHVILLE PROCESSING PLANT NASHVILLE, AR71852 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 359,784 | 5.5 mi |
HILL JAN PLATING LLC NASHVILLE, AR71852 | — | — | 3.9 mi |
HUSQVARNA FORESTRY PRODUCTS NA INC NASHVILLE, AR71852 | — | — | 5.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtHoward 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
Howard 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. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Mineral Springs compares by contaminant
Explore where Mineral Springs ranks among all Arkansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Mineral Springs's water comes from
Mineral Springs'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 1,710 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Mineral Springs
Mineral Springs is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Mineral Springs
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MINERAL SPRINGS WATERWORKS | AR0000242 | 1,364 | GW |
| TOLLETTE WATER | AR0000618 | 346 | GW |
How Mineral Springs compares
Full Arkansas rankings →Mineral Springs's score of 89.9/100 is above the average of 75/100 among major Arkansas cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Arkansas rankings →About Mineral Springs, AR
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Mineral Springs's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Howard
Frequently asked questions
Is Mineral Springs, AR tap water safe to drink?
Mineral Springs's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #95 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.
What contaminants are in Mineral Springs's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 40 violations are on record.
How is Mineral Springs'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 Mineral Springs?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Mineral Springs's water come from?
Mineral Springs's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,710 residents.
What health violations has Mineral Springs's water system had?
Mineral Springs has 14 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in May 2015. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 6 violations remain unresolved.
Is Mineral Springs's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Mineral Springs 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 40 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 Mineral Springs's water compare to other cities?
Mineral Springs ranks #95 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 72% of state cities) and #2510 out of 15744 cities nationally (84th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.