WaterVerge

Is Belmont, MS Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded A- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓

2K residents served 1 water system PWSID: MS0710001
Overall Score
89.3 / 100
Violations
2 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#20 of 320 in Mississippi Top 19% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
A-GRADE
Water Quality Grade
89.3/100
waterverge.com
A- 89.3/100

Belmont, MS — Water Quality Report

Belmont's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,250 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 70 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Belmont's water

Belmont ranks #20 out of 320 cities in Mississippi for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.

Belmont 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, Belmont may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
89.3 out of 100 Grade A-
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
41.3/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
16/20
B
Lead at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
10/10
A
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Belmont, MS water safe to drink?

Use Caution

Belmont's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (89.3/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,250 residents using groundwater (wells).

2
Active Violations
0.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
5 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Belmont

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Belmont's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.3/100).

Disaster
HURRICANE IDA

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4626). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
HURRICANE IDA

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3569). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Radium-226, Radium-228.

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Radium-226, Radium-228.

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Radium-226, Radium-228.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Belmont's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 0.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Copper Exceeds Limit
Detected: 2.66 mg/L Limit: 1.3 mg/L (EPA Action Level)

Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.

Violation history

Belmont's water system has 70 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved.

MROtherMCL
Most recent violations:
Jul 2012 Radium-226 Resolved
Jul 2012 Radium-228 Resolved
Apr 2012 Radium-226 Resolved
Apr 2012 Radium-228 Resolved
Jan 2012 Radium-226 Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Tishomingo County has experienced 5 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 Pollard Mill Branch, Tenn-Tom Ww Below Jamie Whitten L&D Nr Dennis, Red Bud Creek Nr Moores Mill, Mud Creek Nr Fairview, Bear Creek.

HURRICANE IDA
Hurricane FEMA DR-4626
HURRICANE IDA
Hurricane FEMA DR-3569
HURRICANE GUSTAV
Hurricane FEMA DR-3291

Where does Belmont's water come from?

Belmont's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,250 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Pollard Mill Branch (river), Tenn-Tom Ww Below Jamie Whitten L&D Nr Dennis (lake), Red Bud Creek Nr Moores Mill (river), Mud Creek Nr Fairview (river), Bear Creek (river).

What Belmont residents can do

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

Belmont'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
0.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 0% of limit
Safe Level
Copper (90th percentile)
Inorganic
Over Limit
2.66 mg/L
EPA Action Level: 1.3 mg/L · +20% over limit
Exceeds Limit
Compliance Record

Violation summary

70
Total violations
1
Health-based
2
Active / unresolved
Jul 2012
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

70 Total
2 Active
1 Health-based
68 Resolved
Violations by category
Radionuclides and Revised Rad Rule
66
Total Coliform Rule
2
Consumer Confidence Rule
1
Public Notice Rule and Revised PN Rule
1
Jul 2009 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 2008 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jul 2012 Resolved
Radium-226
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2012
Jul 2012 Resolved
Radium-228
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2012
Apr 2012 Resolved
Radium-226
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2012
Apr 2012 Resolved
Radium-228
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2012
Jan 2012 Resolved
Radium-226
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 2012
Jan 2012 Resolved
Radium-228
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 2012
Oct 2011 Resolved
Radium-226
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2011
Oct 2011 Resolved
Radium-228
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2011
Oct 2011 Resolved
Combined Uranium
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2011
Jul 2011 Resolved
Combined Uranium
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2011
Jul 2011 Resolved
Radium-228
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2011
Jul 2011 Resolved
Radium-226
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2011
Apr 2011 Resolved
Radium-226
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2011
Apr 2011 Resolved
Radium-228
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2011
Apr 2011 Resolved
Combined Uranium
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2011
Jan 2011 Resolved
Radium-226
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 2011
Jan 2011 Resolved
Combined Uranium
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 2011
Jan 2011 Resolved
Radium-228
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 2011
Showing 20 of 70 violations
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Belmont

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Belmont, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

Total reported releases to surface water: 2 lbs

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
GATES CORP
Plastics and Rubber · GATES CORP
RED BAY, AL35582
Zinc compounds24.7 mi
PATRICK INDUSTRIES INC,DBA BAYMONT INC BELMONT FACILITY
Plastics and Rubber · PATRICK INDUSTRIES
GOLDEN, MS38847
1.2 mi
PRESTIGE PAINTING BELMONT
Transportation Equipment · PATRICK INDUSTRIES
BELMONT, MS38827
1.2 mi
COMFORT REVOLUTION
Plastics and Rubber · NA
BELMONT, MS38827
1.2 mi
PATRICK INDUSTRIES INC DBA BAYMONT INDUSTRIES PLANT NO. 2
Plastics and Rubber · PATRICK INDUSTRIES
BELMONT, MS38827
1.2 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D2 — severe drought

Tishomingo 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.

4
Weeks at D2+ (current streak)
10.7%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
4
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

5
Declared disasters
Oct 2021
Most recent
Hurricane
Most common type

Tishomingo County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1991. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Oct 2021
HURRICANE IDA
Hurricane FEMA #4626
Aug 2021
HURRICANE IDA
Hurricane FEMA #3569
Aug 2008
HURRICANE GUSTAV
Hurricane FEMA #3291
Aug 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA
Hurricane FEMA #1604
Mar 1991
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #895

Recommended water filters

Based on contaminants detected in Belmont's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.

🔧
For Copper
Reverse Osmosis or KDF Filter
Copper exceeds the EPA action level of 1.3 mg/L

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 0.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Copper (90th percentile) 2.66 1.3 mg/L Inorganic Over Limit
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 5.0 ppb from 1993 (5.0 ppb) to 2025 (0.0 ppb).

Copper level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
Copper has increased by 1.163 mg/L from 2008 (1.497 mg/L) to 2021 (2.660 mg/L).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
2,250
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Belmont's water comes from

Groundwater

Belmont'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 2,250 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Belmont

Belmont is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Pollard Mill Branch
river
Tenn-Tom Ww Below Jamie Whitten L&D Nr Dennis
lake
Red Bud Creek Nr Moores Mill
river
Mud Creek Nr Fairview
river
Bear Creek
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Belmont

System Name PWSID Population Source
TOWN OF BELMONT MS0710001 2,250 GW
Regional Comparison

How Belmont compares

Full Mississippi rankings →

Belmont's score of 89.3/100 is above the average of 54/100 among major Mississippi cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.

Belmont (this city)
89.3
Jackson
47.8
Canton
50
Oxford
40.5
Mississippi avg
54
City Profile

About Belmont, MS

Economic Profile
$40,902
Median Income
$147,428
Median Home Value
$726/mo
Median Rent
0.8%
Unemployment
Community
34.9
Median Age
213
People / sq mi
16.3%
College Educated
56.4%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Belmont, MS tap water safe to drink?

Belmont's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #20 out of 320 cities tested in Mississippi.

What contaminants are in Belmont's water?

Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 70 violations are on record.

How is Belmont'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 Belmont?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Belmont's water come from?

Belmont's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,250 residents.

What health violations has Belmont's water system had?

Belmont has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2012. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.

Is Belmont's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Belmont 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 70 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 Belmont's water compare to other cities?

Belmont ranks #20 out of 320 cities in Mississippi (better than 94% of state cities) and #2908 out of 15744 cities nationally (82th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Belmont's small water system affect quality?

Belmont's system serves approximately 2,250 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 70 violations on record.