Black Bear Spring provides bulk water to bottling companies in the states of Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, and
Louisiana. The spring has a loading station capable of loading tanker trucks in under 20 minutes. We
also offer the option of transporting loads of spring water in sanitary stainless steel tanker to your
facility or pick up at our spring.
LOCATION & ENVIRONMENT
Black Bear Spring is nestled within the Ouachita National Forest and the Ouachita Mountains at an elevation of 1,150 feet. Ouachita National Forest spans more than 1.8 million acres of public land. The forest is one of the oldest in the southern United States, home to an array of ecosystems. Black Bear Spring is located in a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. Rainfall averages around 55 to 60 inches per year, which helps supporting an abundance of ferns, wildflowers, mesic hardwood, and pine trees. Near the spring are bluff and stream terraces that support diverse wildlife including white-tailed deer, wild turkey, black bear, bobcats, and over 200 bird species, including bald eagles, red-cockaded woodpeckers, red-tailed hawks, and red-shouldered hawks.
HISTORY
Black Bear Spring Water began in 1976 when Frank Adair originated and developed the spring under the name Alpine Spring Water. In 1988, Frank Adair sold the spring to Martin Cargile, who changed the name to Martin Cargile Water Company. In the late 1990s, Martin Cargile sold the company to Roy Parsons. In 2004, Rick and Kim Doerner purchased the spring and renamed it Black Bear Spring, Inc.
Unique Geological Qualities
What makes Black Bear Spring Water so unique is the surrounding geological properties of the Ouachita Mountains. As water flows underground, it passes through layers of sandstones, cherts (including novaculite), and shales, giving it an enriched balance of trace minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, and silica. It is naturally alkaline, which gives it a crisper and more appealing great-tasting water, enhancing the overall sensory experience and making it a great choice for bottling companies.
The Importance of Water
Water is a precious and fragile resource, and we want it to be properly managed. Water is the source and food of life. It accounts for about 50-60 percent of an adult’s weight. The human body needs 2-3liters of water a day to maintain proper metabolism. The important thing is to drink enough water each day.
Quality Assurance
Black Bear Spring monitors the quality of the spring as set by the FDA and state regulatory agencies. Each year, we perform annual Title 21 source water testing for organic, inorganic, radiological, and PFAS contaminants, as well as weekly testing for bacteria. Reports are available upon request. Additionally, we have a HACCP program in place to monitor the quality of the spring. To ensure the high quality of the spring water, it is microfiltered and treated with UV light, preserving the ideal balance of natural minerals and taste.