Siloam Springs Waterworks

Where Does Our Water Come From?
The sources of our municipal water include rivers, lakes, streams, reservoirs, springs, and wells. Siloam Springs obtains surface water from the Illinois River. We also purchase treated surface water from Benton-Washington Regional Public Water Authority (PWA), which sources from Beaver Lake. Eastside Rural Water District customers receive water from Benton-Washington Regional PWA's treatment facility, while Vegetable Acquisition Corp. can receive water from either Siloam Springs Water Department or Benton-Washington Regional PWA.

Water Source Safety Assessment
The Arkansas Department of Health has completed Source Water Vulnerability Assessments for both Siloam Springs Water Dept. and Benton-Washington Regional Public Water Authority. These assessments evaluate contamination potential and inform source water protection planning. Based on multiple evaluation criteria, our water sources received a low susceptibility to contamination rating. Siloam Springs Water Dept. maintains an active source water protection program. Assessment summaries are available upon request.

Potential Contaminants in Water
As water moves over land or underground, it can pick up various substances from natural processes and human activities:

• Microbial contaminants (viruses, bacteria) from sewage treatment, septic systems, agricultural operations, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants (salts, metals) from natural sources or urban runoff, industrial discharge, oil/gas production, mining, or farming
• Pesticides and herbicides from agriculture, urban runoff, and residential uses
• Organic chemical contaminants from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, and septic systems
• Radioactive contaminants that occur naturally or result from oil/gas production and mining

EPA regulations limit contaminant levels in public water systems, while FDA regulations establish similar protections for bottled water.

Health Risk Information
All water, including bottled water, contains some level of contaminants. This doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk. However, some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants, including those with compromised immune systems (cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, HIV/AIDS patients), the elderly, and infants. These individuals should seek advice from healthcare providers about their water consumption.

Lead and Water Safety
Elevated lead levels pose serious health risks, particularly for pregnant women and young children. Lead primarily enters water through service lines and home plumbing materials. While we provide high-quality water, we cannot control materials used in plumbing components. To minimize potential lead exposure, flush your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking if it has been sitting for several hours. If concerned, consider having your water tested. Information about lead in water, testing methods, and exposure reduction strategies is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When are City Council Meetings held? 4th Monday at 6 PM
2. What is the process to request a re-zoning? Contact Building Inspector
3. How can I find the zoning designation of a specific property? Maps available for viewing at city hall
4. Where are city council meetings held? City Hall-council room
5. What payment methods do you accept? Cash, Check, Money Order, Credit Card (Visa, MasterCard, or Discover)
6. What can I pay outside of court? Fine and Court Cost
7. Where and when can I pay my fine? Rockwood City Hall or online at rockwoodpolice.org
8. What types of construction require building permits (fences, pools, remodels, decks, etc.)? Contact Building Inspector
9. What is the business license process and fee? Initial license fee $15.00