After days of steady rain, parts of Bentonville are dealing with the aftermath of flooding that left several homes along 5th Street with water damage and residents searching for solutions. The area, which has seen repeated flooding during heavy storms, is raising concerns among homeowners who say the city needs to take more decisive action.
Crystal Smith, who lives on 5th Street, opened her front door to find nearly a foot of water pooled in her entryway last week. She and her neighbors watched helplessly as rainwater poured through their yards and into their homes — a scene they say has played out too many times before. Some residents have taken matters into their own hands, building makeshift barriers from sandbags and concrete to try to divert the flow.
“We’re doing what we can on our own,” said Smith. “But it’s getting to the point where that’s not enough.”
The problem appears to center around the natural topography of the area near 5th Street, where water from higher ground collects and flows downhill toward residential properties. Several homeowners said they’ve reported the issue to city officials over the years but feel their concerns have gone unaddressed.
Looking for Long-Term Fixes
Bentonville Public Works Director Joe McKeel said the city is aware of the flooding issues in the 5th Street area and has been monitoring the situation. He explained that stormwater infrastructure in that part of town was built to older standards and may need updating to handle increased rainfall intensity.
“We’ve had crews out there assessing the drainage systems,” McKeel said. “There are some limitations in the existing infrastructure that we’re working to address through ongoing studies and potential improvements.”
According to McKeel, the city has mapped flood-prone areas and is prioritizing updates where possible. However, he noted that systemic changes — like retrofitting older neighborhoods — often require time and funding. In the meantime, residents are encouraged to report concerns and take temporary protective measures.
For people like David Martinez, a retired teacher who has lived on 5th Street for more than a decade, waiting isn’t an option. After two major flooding events in the past year, he’s installed a temporary barrier made of concrete blocks and gravel to protect his garage. It helped during the most recent storm, he said, but he knows it’s not a permanent fix.
“We love this neighborhood,” Martinez said. “But every time it rains hard, we hold our breath.”
Other residents echoed similar concerns. Some said insurance claims are piling up, while others worry about long-term damage to foundations and electrical systems. The emotional toll, they say, is just as real as the physical one.
What’s Next for Flood-Prone Areas
The city is currently conducting a comprehensive stormwater assessment that includes modeling for areas like 5th Street. That study, expected to be completed later this year, will help determine where infrastructure upgrades are most needed and how to fund them.
In the short term, city staff are encouraging residents in flood-prone areas to stay alert during severe weather and consider signing up for emergency alerts. Homeowners can also request a free flood risk assessment through the city’s website.
For now, many of the residents dealing with repeated flooding say they just want to know the city is listening — and that they won’t have to face the next storm alone.
Source: 5News KFSM
