Is Mountainburg, AR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
91/100
waterverge.com Mountainburg, AR — Water Quality Report
Mountainburg's drinking water received a grade of A (91 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,187 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 10 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Mountainburg's water
Mountainburg ranks #78 out of 345 cities in Arkansas for water quality, placing it above 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.
As a small community water system, Mountainburg may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Mountainburg, AR water safe to drink?
Mountainburg's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (91/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,187 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Mountainburg
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Mountainburg's water quality assessment. Grade: A (91/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3541). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4441). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Mountainburg's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Mountainburg's water system has 10 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Crawford County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1972. 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 Jones Creek At Winfrey, Frog Bayou At Winfrey, Jack Creek Near Winfrey, Frog Bayou At Rudy.
Where does Mountainburg's water come from?
Mountainburg's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,187 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Jones Creek At Winfrey (river), Frog Bayou At Winfrey (river), Jack Creek Near Winfrey (river), Frog Bayou At Rudy (river).
What Mountainburg 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.
Mountainburg'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
D2 — severe droughtCrawford County is currently in D2 (severe 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
Crawford County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1972. 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 Mountainburg compares by contaminant
Explore where Mountainburg ranks among all Arkansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Mountainburg's water comes from
Mountainburg'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 2,187 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Mountainburg
Mountainburg is located near 4 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Mountainburg
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LOCKE-FERN DOLLARD RD WW PFB | AR0000912 | 1,135 | SWP |
| MOUNTAINBURG WATER AND SEWER | AR0000141 | 1,052 | SWP |
How Mountainburg compares
Full Arkansas rankings →Mountainburg's score of 91/100 is above the average of 75/100 among major Arkansas cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Arkansas rankings →About Mountainburg, AR
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Mountainburg's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Crawford
Frequently asked questions
Is Mountainburg, AR tap water safe to drink?
Mountainburg's water quality earned a grade of A (91/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #78 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.
What contaminants are in Mountainburg's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 10 violations are on record.
How is Mountainburg'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 Mountainburg?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Mountainburg's water come from?
Mountainburg's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,187 residents.
What health violations has Mountainburg's water system had?
Mountainburg has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2021. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
How does Mountainburg's water compare to other cities?
Mountainburg ranks #78 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 77% of state cities) and #1936 out of 15744 cities nationally (88th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.