Is Arcola, MS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 10 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
85.8/100
waterverge.com Arcola, MS — Water Quality Report
Arcola's drinking water received a grade of A- (85.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 546 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 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 168 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 10 remain unresolved.
What to know about Arcola's water
Arcola ranks #50 out of 320 cities in Mississippi for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Arcola 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, Arcola may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Arcola, MS water safe to drink?
Arcola's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (85.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 546 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Arcola
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Arcola's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85.8/100).
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.
Contaminants: Combined Uranium, Radium-228, Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Combined Uranium, Radium-226, Radium-228.
Contaminants: Combined Uranium, Radium-228, Radium-226.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Arcola's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Arcola's water system has 168 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 10 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Washington County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1991. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include Bogue Phalia Nr Leland.
Where does Arcola's water come from?
Arcola's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 546 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Bogue Phalia Nr Leland (river).
What Arcola residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Arcola'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.
Arcola'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
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtWashington County is currently in D3 (extreme 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
Washington County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1991. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
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. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Arcola compares by contaminant
Explore where Arcola ranks among all Mississippi cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Arcola's water comes from
Arcola'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 local government ownership and serves approximately 546 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Arcola
Arcola is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Arcola
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOWN OF ARCOLA | MS0760001 | 546 | GW |
How Arcola compares
Full Mississippi rankings →Arcola's score of 85.8/100 is above the average of 54/100 among major Mississippi cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Mississippi rankings →About Arcola, MS
Wikipedia →Arcola is a town in Washington County, Mississippi. The population was 304 at the 2020 census, down from 361 at the 2010 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Arcola's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Washington
Frequently asked questions
Is Arcola, MS tap water safe to drink?
Arcola's water quality earned a grade of A- (85.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #50 out of 320 cities tested in Mississippi.
What contaminants are in Arcola's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 168 violations are on record.
How is Arcola'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 Arcola?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Arcola's water come from?
Arcola's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 546 residents.
What health violations has Arcola's water system had?
Arcola has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2012. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 10 violations remain unresolved.
Is Arcola's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Arcola 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 168 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 Arcola's water compare to other cities?
Arcola ranks #50 out of 320 cities in Mississippi (better than 84% of state cities) and #5129 out of 15744 cities nationally (67th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Arcola's small water system affect quality?
Arcola's system serves approximately 546 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 168 violations on record.