A88/100
Benton Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 56,991 residents · Arkansas
What's In Benton's Tap Water?
69
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 2006.
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
BENTON WATERWORKS
Population Served
30,681
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
AR0000484
SALEM WATER USERS LLC
Population Served
16,737
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
AR0000492
SOUTHWEST WATER USERS LLC
Population Served
9,573
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
AR0000495
Frequently Asked Questions About Benton Water
Is Benton tap water safe to drink?
Benton, Arkansas tap water receives a grade of A (88/100), which is considered excellent. Out of 69 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 Benton's water?
Of the 69 contaminants tested in Benton'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 Benton have any water quality violations?
Yes, Benton has 7 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include MON, MR, MCL. 5 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Benton?
Benton 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 Benton's tap water come from?
Benton's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by BENTON WATERWORKS and 2 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 56,991 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Benton'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. Benton'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 Benton's water compare to other cities in Arkansas?
Benton's water quality score of 88/100 earns a grade of A, which is considered excellent. This places Benton 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 Benton's water quality?
If you have concerns about Benton'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 (BENTON 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.