Is Ashland, MS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
73.1/100
waterverge.com Ashland, MS — Water Quality Report
Ashland's drinking water received a grade of B- (73.1 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,811 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 244 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 14 remain unresolved.
What to know about Ashland's water
Ashland ranks #155 out of 320 cities in Mississippi for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Ashland 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, Ashland may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 6 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Ashland, MS water safe to drink?
Ashland's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (73.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,811 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Ashland
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Ashland's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (73.1/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
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 Ashland'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
Ashland's water system has 244 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 14 remain unresolved. 6 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Benton 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 Ashland's water come from?
Ashland's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,811 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Ashland residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Ashland'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.
Ashland'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 Ashland
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Ashland, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
U.S. TVA MAGNOLIA COMBINED CYCLE PLANT ASHLAND, MS38603 | — | — | 1.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtBenton 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
Benton 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 Ashland'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. | 3.10 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Ashland compares by contaminant
Explore where Ashland ranks among all Mississippi cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Ashland's water comes from
Ashland'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 2,811 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Ashland
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOWN OF ASHLAND | MS0050001 | 1,977 | GW |
| TOWN OF SNOW LAKE SHORES | MS0050003 | 834 | GW |
How Ashland compares
Full Mississippi rankings →Ashland's score of 73.1/100 is above the average of 54/100 among major Mississippi cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Mississippi rankings →About Ashland, MS
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Ashland's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Benton
Frequently asked questions
Is Ashland, MS tap water safe to drink?
Ashland's water quality earned a grade of B- (73.1/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #155 out of 320 cities tested in Mississippi.
What contaminants are in Ashland's water?
Lead was measured at 0.5 ppb (90th percentile). 244 violations are on record.
How is Ashland'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 Ashland?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Ashland's water come from?
Ashland's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,811 residents.
What health violations has Ashland's water system had?
Ashland has 5 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in May 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 14 violations remain unresolved.
Is Ashland's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Ashland 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 244 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 Ashland's water compare to other cities?
Ashland ranks #155 out of 320 cities in Mississippi (better than 52% of state cities) and #10159 out of 15744 cities nationally (36th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.