Springs Info
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- Basin Spring: Downtown in Basin Spring Park (off Spring St.), considered the birthplace of the town.
- Crescent Spring: On Spring Street next to the Carnegie Library, covered by a gazebo.
- Grotto Spring: Tucked into a cavern on Spring Street, with an inscription “Esto Perpetua”.
- Harding Spring: At the corner of Howell & Spring Streets, surrounded by a garden.
- Sweet Spring: At the bottom of a spiral staircase near the Post Office on Spring Street.
- Califf Spring: Unique for its historic (non-functional) stone water purifier, located on Main Street near the museum.
- Magnetic Spring: Off Magnetic Road, on the grounds of the Great Passion Play.
- Carrie Nation Spring: On Douglas & Steele Streets (East Mountain).
- Blue Spring Heritage Center: A major, beautiful spring with nature trails northwest of town.
How to Find Them:
- Walk Spring Street in the downtown area to find several springs.
- Look for small signs or follow the designated Natural Springs Trail.
- Visit the Eureka Springs Parks and Recreation website for details on specific locations like Oil Springs.
Why You Shouldn’t Drink Them:
- Contamination: Locals and tests confirm the presence of bacteria, including E. coli, from fertilizers and animal waste.
- No Treatment: The springs are not part of the regulated public water system.
- Warning Signs: Some springs have signs explicitly stating not to drink the water.
What to Do Instead:
- Enjoy the Scenery: Visit springs like Basin Spring or Sweet Spring for their beauty and historical significance, but don’t drink the water.
- Drink City Water: The tap water from the Eureka Springs water system is safe and tested.
- Purify (If You Must): If you choose to collect spring water (not recommended for Eureka Springs), you must treat it by boiling or filtering and treating with purification tablets, as noted by National Park Service.
In summary, appreciate the springs as a feature of the town, but rely on the treated municipal supply for drinking water.
