Van Buren Waterworks

We're pleased to present this year's Annual Municipal Water Quality Report. This document informs you about the quality water and services we deliver to you daily. Our goal is to provide you with safe and dependable municipal water, and we want you to understand our ongoing efforts to improve water treatment processes and protect our water resources.

Where Does Our Water Come From?
Municipal water sources include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. We purchase treated surface water from Fort Smith Water Utilities, which has two independent sources: the Frog Bayou Watershed (stored in Lake Fort Smith) and the Lee Creek Watershed (stored in Lee Creek Reservoir).

Is Our Source Water Safe?
The Arkansas Department of Health completed a Source Water Vulnerability Assessment for Fort Smith Water Utilities. This assessment evaluates contamination potential and helps develop source water protection plans. Based on various criteria, our water sources have been rated as having low to medium susceptibility to contamination.

Potential Contaminants in Water
As water moves across land or underground, it can pick up substances from natural sources or human activities including:

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

EPA regulations limit contaminant levels in public water systems, while FDA establishes similar limits for bottled water to protect public health.

Health Considerations
All municipal water, including bottled water, may contain small amounts of some contaminants. This doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk, though certain populations may be more vulnerable to water contaminants than others. People with compromised immune systems (cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, HIV/AIDS patients), some elderly individuals, and infants can be particularly at risk. These individuals should seek advice about municipal water from healthcare providers.

Lead and Municipal Water
Elevated lead levels can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in municipal water typically comes from materials in service lines and home plumbing. While we provide high-quality water, we can't control the 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.

1. Berkeley Source Water Assessment Report PDF Document
2. Additional Information Resources
3. EPA Public Municipal Water Systems & FAQ