Is Mulberry, AR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+ — but Lead was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
52.4/100
waterverge.com Mulberry, AR — Water Quality Report
Mulberry's drinking water received a grade of D+ (52.4 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,356 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 370.0 ppb (90th percentile), which exceeds the EPA action level of 15 ppb. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 100 violations on record, including 58 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved.
What to know about Mulberry's water
Mulberry ranks #311 out of 345 cities in Arkansas for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated 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.
Lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb, which typically indicates aging lead service lines or lead solder in the distribution system. An NSF 53-certified filter is strongly recommended for drinking and cooking water.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Mulberry, AR water safe to drink?
Mulberry's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (52.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,356 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Mulberry
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Mulberry's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (52.4/100).
2 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
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 Mulberry's water supply.
Exceeds EPA action level. Lead service line replacement and point-of-use filtration recommended.
Violation history
Mulberry's water system has 100 total violations on record, including 58 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved. 3 violations were 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 Mulberry River Near Mulberry.
Where does Mulberry's water come from?
Mulberry's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 3,356 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Mulberry River Near Mulberry (river).
What Mulberry residents can do
Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Mulberry'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.
Mulberry'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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Mulberry'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. | 370.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Mulberry compares by contaminant
Explore where Mulberry ranks among all Arkansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Mulberry's water comes from
Mulberry'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 3,356 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Mulberry
Mulberry is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Mulberry
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PLEASANT VIEW WATER FAC BOARD | AR0000202 | 1,708 | SWP |
| MULBERRY WATERWORKS | AR0000136 | 1,648 | SW |
How Mulberry compares
Full Arkansas rankings →Mulberry's score of 52.4/100 is below the average of 75/100 among major Arkansas cities. It outscores 2 of 10 nearby cities. 8 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Arkansas rankings →About Mulberry, AR
Wikipedia →Mulberry is a city in Crawford County, Arkansas, United States. It is part of the Fort Smith, Arkansas-Oklahoma Metropolitan Statistical Area. As of the 2020 census, Mulberry had a population of 1,543.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Mulberry's water quality findings.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Mulberry, AR tap water safe to drink?
Mulberry's water quality earned a grade of D+ (52.4/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #311 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.
What contaminants are in Mulberry's water?
Lead was measured at 370.0 ppb (90th percentile). 100 violations are on record.
How is Mulberry'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 Mulberry?
Yes — lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb. We recommend an NSF 53-certified filter or reverse osmosis system. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Mulberry's water come from?
Mulberry's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 3,356 residents.
What health violations has Mulberry's water system had?
Mulberry has 58 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 8 violations remain unresolved.
How does Mulberry's water compare to other cities?
Mulberry ranks #311 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 10% of state cities) and #12769 out of 15744 cities nationally (19th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.