Is Baldwyn, MS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 17 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
51.2/100
Baldwyn, MS — Water Quality Report
Baldwyn's drinking water received a grade of D+ (51.2 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 8,068 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 831 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 17 remain unresolved.
What to know about Baldwyn's water
Baldwyn ranks #259 out of 320 cities in Mississippi for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Baldwyn 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.
Hexavalent chromium (chromium-6) was detected at 0.07 µg/L in UCMR 3 testing. While below California's 10 µg/L limit and with no federal MCL set, residents sensitive to this contaminant may consider reverse osmosis filtration.
The system has seen 7 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Baldwyn, MS water safe to drink?
Baldwyn's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (51.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 8,068 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Baldwyn
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Baldwyn's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (51.2/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
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 Baldwyn's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Baldwyn's water system has 831 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 17 remain unresolved. 7 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Lee County has experienced 5 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. Local water sources include Twentymile Creek Nr Guntown.
Where does Baldwyn's water come from?
Baldwyn's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 8,068 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Twentymile Creek Nr Guntown (river).
What Baldwyn residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Baldwyn'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.
Baldwyn'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 Baldwyn
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Baldwyn, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 0 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
MMC MATERIALS INC - SALTILLO PLANT SALTILLO, MS38866 | Lead | 0 | 8.2 mi |
FXI INC. - BALDWYN BALDWYN, MS38824 | — | — | 0.8 mi |
FXI INC. - BALDWYN NORTH BALDWYN, MS38824 | — | — | 1.7 mi |
WEST FRASER US EWP LLC GUNTOWN, MS38849 | — | — | 2.9 mi |
AUTO PARTS MANUFACTURING MISSISSIPPI INC GUNTOWN, MS38849 | — | — | 1.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtItawamba County is currently in D1 (moderate 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
Lee County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 2005. 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Baldwyn compares by contaminant
Explore where Baldwyn ranks among all Mississippi cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Baldwyn's water comes from
Baldwyn'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 8,068 people through 4 water systems.
Water bodies near Baldwyn
Baldwyn is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Baldwyn
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOWN OF BALDWYN | MS0590001 | 3,066 | GW |
| KEOWNVILLE RURAL WATER ASSN | MS0730004 | 2,663 | GW |
| HOUSTON-PALESTINE WATER ASSOC | MS0290004 | 1,563 | GW |
| INGRAM WATER ASSOCIATION | MS0590008 | 776 | GW |
How Baldwyn compares
Full Mississippi rankings →Baldwyn's score of 51.2/100 is on par with the average of 54/100 among major Mississippi cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Mississippi rankings →About Baldwyn, MS
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Baldwyn's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Prentiss
Frequently asked questions
Is Baldwyn, MS tap water safe to drink?
Baldwyn's water quality earned a grade of D+ (51.2/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #259 out of 320 cities tested in Mississippi.
What contaminants are in Baldwyn's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 831 violations are on record.
How is Baldwyn'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 Baldwyn?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Baldwyn's water come from?
Baldwyn's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 8,068 residents.
What health violations has Baldwyn's water system had?
Baldwyn has 5 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. 17 violations remain unresolved.
Is Baldwyn's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Baldwyn 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 831 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 Baldwyn's water compare to other cities?
Baldwyn ranks #259 out of 320 cities in Mississippi (better than 19% of state cities) and #12895 out of 15744 cities nationally (18th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.