Is Pangburn, AR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C- — but Lead and Copper were detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
57.2/100
waterverge.com Pangburn, AR — Water Quality Report
Pangburn's drinking water received a grade of C- (57.2 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,936 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 31.0 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 95 violations on record, including 28 health-based violations. 21 remain unresolved.
What to know about Pangburn's water
Pangburn ranks #306 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.
As a small community water system, Pangburn may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Pangburn, AR water safe to drink?
Pangburn's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C- (57.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,936 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Pangburn
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Pangburn's water quality assessment. Grade: C- (57.2/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4873). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3541). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Pangburn's water supply.
Exceeds EPA action level. Lead service line replacement and point-of-use filtration recommended.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Pangburn's water system has 95 total violations on record, including 28 health-based violations. 21 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
White County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1975. 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 Little Red River Near Dewey.
Where does Pangburn's water come from?
Pangburn's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,936 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Little Red River Near Dewey (river).
What Pangburn residents can do
Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Pangburn'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.
Pangburn'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 Pangburn
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Pangburn, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 5 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
MAYVILLE ENGINEERING CO INC. HEBER SPRINGS, AR72543 | Manganese | 5 | 9.8 mi |
SAINT JEAN IND HEBER SPRINGS, AR72543 | Lead | 0 | 9.0 mi |
SIEMENS INDUSTRY - HEBER SPRINGS HEBER SPRINGS, AR72543 | — | — | 9.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D4 — exceptional droughtWhite County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 12.1% of the county is in D4 (exceptional) drought. 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
White County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1975. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Pangburn'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. | 31.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Over Limit |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 3.90 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 3.900 mg/L (2002)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Pangburn compares by contaminant
Explore where Pangburn ranks among all Arkansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Pangburn's water comes from
Pangburn'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 2,936 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Pangburn
Pangburn 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 Pangburn
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PANGBURN WATERWORKS | AR0000580 | 2,936 | SW |
How Pangburn compares
Full Arkansas rankings →Pangburn's score of 57.2/100 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 Pangburn, AR
Wikipedia →Pangburn is a city in White County, Arkansas, United States. The population was 500 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Pangburn's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across White
Frequently asked questions
Is Pangburn, AR tap water safe to drink?
Pangburn's water quality earned a grade of C- (57.2/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #306 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.
What contaminants are in Pangburn's water?
Lead was measured at 31.0 ppb (90th percentile). 95 violations are on record.
How is Pangburn'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 Pangburn?
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 Pangburn's water come from?
Pangburn's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,936 residents.
What health violations has Pangburn's water system had?
Pangburn has 28 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in June 2019. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 21 violations remain unresolved.
How does Pangburn's water compare to other cities?
Pangburn ranks #306 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 11% of state cities) and #12384 out of 15744 cities nationally (21th percentile). The grade of C- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Pangburn's small water system affect quality?
Pangburn's system serves approximately 2,936 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 95 violations on record.