Mississippi Tap Water Quality Rankings 2026: 35th in Nation | WaterQ
Mississippi ranks 35th out of 50 states in our water quality assessment, receiving a grade of C with an average score of 74. Serving a population of 3,058,868 across 629 water systems, the state's water infrastructure faces regional challenges associated with its rural Delta agricultural region and aging small-system networks.
Key Findings for Mississippi
Reviewing EPA SDWIS data for 2026, here's what defines Mississippi's water quality landscape:
- The rural Delta agricultural region is susceptible to elevated nitrate levels in groundwater due to runoff from farming activities.
- Aging small-system infrastructure, common across the Deep South, increases the risk of lead contamination from older service lines and distribution pipes.
- With 29,999 violations recorded across 629 water systems, many challenges stem from monitoring, reporting, and operational strains in small communities.
Most Common Contaminants in Mississippi
Here's what Mississippi residents should know about the contaminants most relevant to their water:
Nitrate
In agricultural regions like the Delta, fertilizer runoff can leach into groundwater, leading to elevated nitrate levels.
Lead
Aging small-system infrastructure and older household plumbing can cause lead to leach into drinking water.
Disinfection Byproducts
Water systems in the Deep South often treat surface waters that are high in organic matter, which can react with disinfectants to form byproducts.
Mississippi's Best and Worst Cities for Water Quality
For specific compliance reports and quality metrics in your local area, please refer to the detailed city-by-city database on the Mississippi state page. Explore the full breakdown on our Mississippi water systems page.
What Mississippi Residents Should Do
Given Mississippi's 35th place ranking, here's what matters most for residents:
- Search for your local water system to review its public testing records and historical compliance.
- If you rely on a private well for drinking water, conduct regular testing for nitrates, bacteria, and other local groundwater contaminants.
- Consider installing a certified water filtration system tailored to address lead, agricultural chemicals, or aesthetic concerns in your tap water.
- Check the EPA database for any active health or reporting violations associated with your utility provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Mississippi water quality compare to other states?
Mississippi ranks 35th out of 50 states nationally, indicating lower-tier performance. It receives a grade of C with an average water quality score of 74.
What are the most common contaminants in Mississippi tap water?
Common concerns include nitrate from agricultural runoff in the Delta, lead from older small-system pipes, and disinfection byproducts from treating organic-rich source waters.
Is it safe to drink tap water in Mississippi?
Mississippi's overall water quality is graded as a C, suggesting it is generally acceptable but faces notable infrastructure and compliance challenges, highlighted by 29,999 recorded violations. Residents should check their local system's history to determine if additional filtration is recommended.
Source: EPA SDWIS 2026 Compliance Data and WaterQ National Database. For more information on our ranking process, visit our state rankings page.