Lake Norrell
A 280-acre lake completed in 1953 that stores 2.5 billion gallons. It sits 17 miles upstream, and water flows by gravity down the Saline River to our intake.
Water Department
Safe, clean drinking water
We protect the water resource, treat it to be safe and clean, and maintain the system that brings it to your tap at an affordable price.
- 13 MGD
Treatment plant capacity. Average daily flow is about 5 million gallons.
- Every 4 hours
Water is tested around the clock by licensed operators.
- 4.2 million gal
Treated water stored in six storage tanks.
- 890+ hydrants
Maintained with the Benton Fire Department.
Water quality report
Annual Drinking Water Quality Report
Our water meets and exceeds all Safe Drinking Water Act standards. The annual report shows what is in your water and how it is tested.
Call 501-776-5930 and our office will send you a copy.
How your water is treated
Raw water settles in holding ponds, where powdered activated carbon removes taste and odor. Upflow clarifiers form floc from silt, bacteria and algae, which settles out before the water flows through sand and anthracite filters. Chlorine is added before and after filtration.
Fluoride is added to help prevent cavities, and phosphate to limit corrosion in the pipes.
Where your water comes from
Three sources for daily needs and peak demand
Saline River
Pumps from 100 to 300 horsepower move river water to Chenault Reservoir or the plant's holding ponds.
Chenault Reservoir
Off-stream raw water storage built in 1999, designed to hold a 120-day supply at 12 million gallons per day.
Distribution
Who we serve
Residential, commercial, industrial and master-metered customers in the City of Benton and parts of Saline County, plus wholesale water to the Salem and Southwest water associations and the City of Bauxite.
- We maintain the public mains, about 1,500 valves, fire hydrants, services to the meter, meter boxes and meters.
- Leaks on the customer's side of the meter are the customer's responsibility.
- Leaks on mains, hydrants and the street side of the meter do not affect your bill.
Common question
Discolored water is safe. Here is how to clear it.
The color is manganese, a natural mineral that clings to the inside of water mains and scours off when flow or pressure changes, such as during construction, a main break or hydrant use.
- Check whether only your hot water is affected. If so, the problem is likely your water heater.
- If your cold water is affected, use as little hot water as possible.
- If it is light brown or lighter, run all your cold taps for 5-6 minutes and flush toilets 2-3 times.
- Still discolored? Wait an hour and repeat. This water should not affect your bill.
- Do not wash laundry in discolored water. If it happens mid-load, keep the clothes damp until the water clears and rewash. Do not use chlorine bleach.
- If it does not clear, call 501-776-5930 and we will send someone out.
FAQ
Water questions
Does Benton water contain fluoride?
Yes. Benton Utilities fluoridates the water at approximately one part per million, the dosage recommended by the Arkansas Department of Health.
Why does my water taste or smell different?
Algal blooms in surface water supplies, usually in late July and August, cause taste and odor changes. There is no health hazard.
Why is my water milky or cloudy?
Air can get trapped in the lines after a repair. Let your faucet run for about five minutes and it will run clear.
Who is responsible for a leak near my meter?
Benton Utilities maintains the mains, valves, hydrants, services to the meter, meter boxes and meters. Leaks at the connection and beyond on the customer's side of the meter are the customer's responsibility.
How do I get the Annual Drinking Water Quality Report?
Call 501-776-5930 and our office will send you a copy. Reports posted online are listed on the Water page and the Public Documents page.