WaterVerge

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 ↓

805 residents served 1 water system PWSID: AR0000176
Overall Score
83 / 100
Violations
4 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Purchased surface water
#203 of 345 in Arkansas Top 42% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
B+GRADE
Water Quality Grade
83/100
waterverge.com
B+ 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.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

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.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
83 out of 100 Grade B+
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
39/45
B
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
15/20
B
Lead at 9.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
8/10
B
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
4/5
B
Water source: Purchased surface water.
Water Safety

Is Mountain Pine, AR water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

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).

4
Active Violations
9.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
7 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Mountain Pine

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Mountain Pine's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (83/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES, AND FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4873). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.

Disaster
HURRICANE LAURA

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.

Lead Elevated
Detected: 9.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

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.

MONOtherRPTMRMCL
Most recent violations:
Sep 2025 Revised Total Coliform Rule Resolved
Aug 2025 Revised Total Coliform Rule Open
Oct 2021 Revised Total Coliform Rule Resolved
Mar 2020 Revised Total Coliform Rule Resolved
May 2019 Revised Total Coliform Rule Open

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.

SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4873
HURRICANE LAURA
Hurricane FEMA DR-3541
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING ASSOCIATED WITH HURRICANE GUSTAV
Hurricane FEMA DR-1793

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

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Mountain Pine's water.

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Flush your taps

Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.

Monitor alerts during storms

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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
9.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 60% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

25
Total violations
5
Health-based
4
Active / unresolved
Sep 2025
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

25 Total
4 Active
5 Health-based
21 Resolved
Violations by category
Total Coliform Rule
15
Revised Total Coliform Rule
6
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
2
Consumer Confidence Rule
1
Aug 2025 Active
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Other Violation 0
May 2019 Active
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Reporting
Reporting 0
Jul 2018 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Sep 2025 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved Sep 2025
Oct 2021 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved Oct 2021
Mar 2020 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved Mar 2020
Jan 2019 Resolved
Chlorine
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 2019
Jul 2016 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved Jul 2016
Jul 2013 Resolved
Chlorine
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2013
Jan 2013 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jan 2013
Dec 2012 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2012
Jun 2012 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2012
May 2012 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved May 2012
Apr 2012 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Apr 2012
Dec 2010 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2010
Sep 2007 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Sep 2007
Jul 2006 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jul 2006
Apr 2006 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Apr 2006
Nov 2005 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Nov 2005
Showing 20 of 25 violations
Industrial pollution

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.

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
RADIUS AEROSPACE INC. DBA RADIUS AEROSPACE-HOT SPRINGS
Transportation Equipment · RADIUS AEROSPACE INC
HOT SPRINGS, AR71901
8.3 mi
TIMBER AUTOMATION LLC
Machinery · WOOD TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL
HOT SPRINGS NATIONAL PARK, AR71913
8.0 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D3 — extreme drought

Garland 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.

14
Weeks at D2+ (current streak)
11.0%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
14
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

7
Declared disasters
May 2025
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

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.

May 2025
SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4873
Aug 2020
HURRICANE LAURA
Hurricane FEMA #3541
Sep 2008
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING ASSOCIATED WITH HURRICANE GUSTAV
Hurricane FEMA #1793
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3215
May 1990
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #865
Jun 1974
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #437

Recommended water filters

Based on contaminants detected in Mountain Pine's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.

🚰
For Lead
Reverse Osmosis or NSF 53-Certified Pitcher
Lead detected at 9.0 ppb
Read our guide →

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 9.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has increased by 5.0 ppb from 1993 (4.0 ppb) to 2003 (9.0 ppb).
Contaminant Rankings

See how Mountain Pine compares by contaminant

Explore where Mountain Pine ranks among all Arkansas cities for specific contaminants.

Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Purchased Surface Water
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
805
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Mountain Pine's water comes from

Purchased Surface Water

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.

Local Hydrology

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.

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
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Mountain Pine

System Name PWSID Population Source
MOUNTAIN PINE WATERWORKS AR0000176 805 SWP
Regional Comparison

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.

Mountain Pine (this city)
83
Springdale
79.1
Fort Smith
45.5
Arkansas avg
75
City Profile

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.

Economic Profile
$28,542
Median Income
$584/mo
Median Rent
2.2%
Unemployment
Community
44.2
Median Age
128
People / sq mi
4.5%
College Educated
73.5%
Homeownership
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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.