Is Abbeville, MS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
63.6/100
waterverge.com Abbeville, MS — Water Quality Report
Abbeville's drinking water received a grade of C (63.6 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 1,782 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.5 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 345 violations on record, including 16 health-based violations. 42 remain unresolved.
What to know about Abbeville's water
Abbeville ranks #195 out of 320 cities in Mississippi for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Abbeville relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
As a small community water system, Abbeville may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Abbeville, MS water safe to drink?
Abbeville's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C (63.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 1,782 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Abbeville
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Abbeville's water quality assessment. Grade: C (63.6/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4626). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3569). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Abbeville's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Abbeville's water system has 345 total violations on record, including 16 health-based violations. 42 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Lafayette County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 2005. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies.
Where does Abbeville's water come from?
Abbeville's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 1,782 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Abbeville residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Abbeville's water.
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Abbeville's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Abbeville
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Abbeville, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 21 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
MMC MATERIALS INC - OXFORD OXFORD, MS38655 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 21 | 8.8 mi |
SMW MANUFACTURING OXFORD, MS38655 | — | — | 6.7 mi |
OLIN WINCHESTER LLC OXFORD, MS38655 | — | — | 6.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtLafayette County is currently in D2 (severe drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Lafayette County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 2005. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Abbeville's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 0.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 2.26 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Abbeville compares by contaminant
Explore where Abbeville ranks among all Mississippi cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Abbeville's water comes from
Abbeville's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by public/private ownership and serves approximately 1,782 people through 4 water systems.
Water systems serving Abbeville
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HURRICANE CREEK WATER ASSN | MS0360009 | 702 | GW |
| TURNER SPRINGS WATER ASSN | MS0360048 | 528 | GWP |
| TOWN OF ABBEVILLE-WATER DEPT | MS0360001 | 386 | GW |
| HURRICANE HILLS W/A | MS0360063 | 166 | GW |
How Abbeville compares
Full Mississippi rankings →Abbeville's score of 63.6/100 is above the average of 54/100 among major Mississippi cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Mississippi rankings →About Abbeville, MS
Wikipedia →Abbeville is a town in Lafayette County, Mississippi, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population was 372.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Abbeville's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Lafayette
Frequently asked questions
Is Abbeville, MS tap water safe to drink?
Abbeville's water quality earned a grade of C (63.6/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #195 out of 320 cities tested in Mississippi.
What contaminants are in Abbeville's water?
Lead was measured at 0.5 ppb (90th percentile). 345 violations are on record.
How is Abbeville's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Abbeville?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Abbeville's water come from?
Abbeville's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 1,782 residents.
What health violations has Abbeville's water system had?
Abbeville has 16 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 42 violations remain unresolved.
Is Abbeville's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Abbeville uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 345 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Abbeville's water compare to other cities?
Abbeville ranks #195 out of 320 cities in Mississippi (better than 39% of state cities) and #11738 out of 15744 cities nationally (25th percentile). The grade of C reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.