Is Bolton, MS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 26 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
52/100
waterverge.com Bolton, MS — Water Quality Report
Bolton's drinking water received a grade of D+ (52 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,143 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.0 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 779 violations on record, including 36 health-based violations. 26 remain unresolved.
What to know about Bolton's water
Bolton ranks #245 out of 320 cities in Mississippi for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Bolton 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, Bolton may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 15 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Bolton, MS water safe to drink?
Bolton's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (52/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,143 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Bolton
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Bolton's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (52/100).
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
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 Bolton's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Bolton's water system has 779 total violations on record, including 36 health-based violations. 26 remain unresolved. 15 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Hinds County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1969. 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 Bolton's water come from?
Bolton's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 2,143 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Bolton residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Bolton'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.
Bolton'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 Bolton
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Bolton, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CONTINENTAL TIRE - CLINTON CLINTON, MS39056 | — | — | 3.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtHinds 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
Hinds County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1969. 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. | 2.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Bolton compares by contaminant
Explore where Bolton ranks among all Mississippi cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Bolton's water comes from
Bolton'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 2,143 people through 3 water systems.
Water systems serving Bolton
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MT OLIVE WATER ASSOCIATION | MS0250014 | 1,003 | GW |
| TOWN OF BOLTON | MS0250001 | 640 | GW |
| ST THOMAS WATER ASSOCIATION | MS0250024 | 500 | GW |
How Bolton compares
Full Mississippi rankings →Bolton's score of 52/100 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 Bolton, MS
Wikipedia →Bolton is a town in Hinds County, Mississippi, United States. As of the 2020 census, Bolton had a population of 441. It is part of the Jackson Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Bolton's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Hinds
Frequently asked questions
Is Bolton, MS tap water safe to drink?
Bolton's water quality earned a grade of D+ (52/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #245 out of 320 cities tested in Mississippi.
What contaminants are in Bolton's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 779 violations are on record.
How is Bolton'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 Bolton?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Bolton's water come from?
Bolton's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 2,143 residents.
What health violations has Bolton's water system had?
Bolton has 36 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 26 violations remain unresolved.
Is Bolton's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Bolton 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 779 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 Bolton's water compare to other cities?
Bolton ranks #245 out of 320 cities in Mississippi (better than 23% of state cities) and #12809 out of 15744 cities nationally (19th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.