Is Mountain Pine, AR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
83/100
Mountain Pine, AR — Water Quality Report
Mountain Pine's drinking water received a grade of B+ (83 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 805 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 9.0 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 25 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Mountain Pine's water
Mountain Pine ranks #203 out of 345 cities in Arkansas for water quality, placing it below average 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.
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, Mountain Pine may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Mountain Pine, AR water safe to drink?
Mountain Pine's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (83/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 805 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Mountain Pine
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Mountain Pine's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (83/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4873). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3541). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Mountain Pine'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
Mountain Pine's water system has 25 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Garland County has experienced 7 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. Local water sources include Whittington Cr At Whitt. Pk At Hot Springs, Whittington Cr At Tunnel Ent At Hot Springs, Hot Sprngs Cr Us Of T.E. At Glade St At Hot Sp.,Ar, Hot Springs At Hot Springs, Hot Springs Cr Ds Of Grand Ave At Hot Springs.
Where does Mountain Pine's water come from?
Mountain Pine's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 805 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Whittington Cr At Whitt. Pk At Hot Springs (river), Whittington Cr At Tunnel Ent At Hot Springs (river), Hot Sprngs Cr Us Of T.E. At Glade St At Hot Sp.,Ar (river), Hot Springs At Hot Springs (spring), Hot Springs Cr Ds Of Grand Ave At Hot Springs (river).
What Mountain Pine residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Mountain Pine'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Mountain Pine'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 Mountain Pine
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Mountain Pine, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
RADIUS AEROSPACE INC. DBA RADIUS AEROSPACE-HOT SPRINGS HOT SPRINGS, AR71901 | — | — | 8.3 mi |
TIMBER AUTOMATION LLC HOT SPRINGS NATIONAL PARK, AR71913 | — | — | 8.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtGarland 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
Garland County has experienced 7 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 Mountain Pine'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. | 9.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Mountain Pine compares by contaminant
Explore where Mountain Pine ranks among all Arkansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Mountain Pine's water comes from
Mountain Pine'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 805 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Mountain Pine
Mountain Pine is located near 5 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Mountain Pine
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MOUNTAIN PINE WATERWORKS | AR0000176 | 805 | SWP |
How Mountain Pine compares
Full Arkansas rankings →Mountain Pine's score of 83/100 is above the average of 75/100 among major Arkansas cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Arkansas rankings →About Mountain Pine, AR
Wikipedia →Mountain Pine is a city in Garland County, Arkansas, United States. It is part of the Hot Springs Metropolitan Statistical Area. As of the 2020 census, Mountain Pine had a population of 585. It is located immediately southeast of Lake Ouachita below the Blakely Mountain Dam. The city consists of five defined neighborhoods: Pinewood (north), South Mountain Pine, a business district, Cozy Acres (southwest) and the Mountain View/Timberland area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Mountain Pine's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Garland
Frequently asked questions
Is Mountain Pine, AR tap water safe to drink?
Mountain Pine's water quality earned a grade of B+ (83/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #203 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.
What contaminants are in Mountain Pine's water?
Lead was measured at 9.0 ppb (90th percentile). 25 violations are on record.
How is Mountain Pine'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 Mountain Pine?
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 Mountain Pine's water come from?
Mountain Pine's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 805 residents.
What health violations has Mountain Pine's water system had?
Mountain Pine has 5 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in September 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 4 violations remain unresolved.
How does Mountain Pine's water compare to other cities?
Mountain Pine ranks #203 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 41% of state cities) and #6667 out of 15744 cities nationally (58th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Mountain Pine's small water system affect quality?
Mountain Pine's system serves approximately 805 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 25 violations on record.