A86/100
Barling Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 5,110 residents · Arkansas
What's In Barling's Tap Water?
31
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.001 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2020.
Understanding violation severity
Tier 1Urgent health risk. Utility must notify all customers within 24 hours.Tier 2Important health or treatment issue. Customers notified within 30 days.Tier 3Administrative or monitoring issue. Reported in the annual water quality report.
Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) · Updated quarterly
Water Utility Details
BARLING WATERWORKS
Population Served
5,110
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
AR0000512
Frequently Asked Questions About Barling Water
Is Barling tap water safe to drink?
Barling, Arkansas tap water receives a grade of A (86/100), which is considered excellent. Out of 31 contaminants tested, none exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) and 1 exceed health guidelines (MCLGs). While the water meets federal standards, some residents may still choose to use a filter for additional peace of mind.
What contaminants are in Barling's water?
Of the 31 contaminants tested in Barling's water supply, the most notable include Lead (90th percentile). No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Barling have any water quality violations?
Yes, Barling has 11 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2020. Violation types include MON, RPT, Other. None of these are classified as health-based violations.
Do I need a water filter in Barling?
Barling water meets EPA standards, so a filter is not strictly necessary. However, some residents prefer the added security of a water filter. EPA health goals (MCLGs) are stricter than legal limits and are set at levels with zero expected health risk. 1 contaminant(s) exceed these stricter goals.
Where does Barling's tap water come from?
Barling's drinking water is sourced from purchased surface water and supplied by BARLING WATERWORKS. The system serves approximately 5,110 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Barling's water tested?
Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), water utilities are required to regularly test for over 90 contaminants. Testing frequency varies by contaminant — some are tested monthly, others quarterly or annually. Barling's water systems must report results to the EPA and publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). The data on this page reflects the latest available EPA testing data.
How does Barling's water compare to other cities in Arkansas?
Barling's water quality score of 86/100 earns a grade of A, which is considered excellent. This places Barling among the better-performing water systems in Arkansas. Visit our Arkansas state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Barling's water quality?
If you have concerns about Barling's tap water, consider these steps: (1) Request your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report for detailed local data. (2) Get your water independently tested through a state-certified laboratory. (3) Consider an NSF-certified water filter rated for the contaminants found in your area. (4) Contact your water utility (BARLING WATERWORKS) with specific questions. (5) Report water quality issues to your state drinking water program or the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.