Is Coldwater, MS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 44 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
50/100
waterverge.com Coldwater, MS — Water Quality Report
Coldwater's drinking water received a grade of D+ (50 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 2,468 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.3 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 369 violations on record, including 22 health-based violations. 44 remain unresolved.
What to know about Coldwater's water
Coldwater ranks #279 out of 320 cities in Mississippi for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Coldwater 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, Coldwater may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 20 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Coldwater, MS water safe to drink?
Coldwater's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (50/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 2,468 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Coldwater
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Coldwater's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (50/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
3 health-based. Contaminants: Groundwater Rule, LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
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 Coldwater's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Coldwater's water system has 369 total violations on record, including 22 health-based violations. 44 remain unresolved. 20 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Tate County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1961. 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 Hickahala Creek Nr Senatobia, Senatobia Creek Nr Senatobia.
Where does Coldwater's water come from?
Coldwater's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 5 water systems serving approximately 2,468 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Hickahala Creek Nr Senatobia (river), Senatobia Creek Nr Senatobia (river).
What Coldwater residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Coldwater'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.
Coldwater'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 Coldwater
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Coldwater, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 3,193 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
SXP SCHULZ XTRUDED PRODUCTS LP HERNANDO, MS38632 | Nitric acid | 3,192 | 8.9 mi |
MMC MATERIALS INC - COLDWATER PLANT COLDWATER, MS38618 | Lead | 0 | 1.1 mi |
DELTA INDUSTRIES INC - HERNANDO - PLANT 27 HERNANDO, MS38632 | Lead | 0 | 8.6 mi |
FXI INC. - COLDWATER COLDWATER, MS38618 | — | — | 0.2 mi |
NITEO PRODUCTS LLC. HERNANDO, MS38632 | — | — | 8.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtTate 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
Tate County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1961. 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. | 0.3 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Coldwater compares by contaminant
Explore where Coldwater ranks among all Mississippi cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Coldwater's water comes from
Coldwater'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 2,468 people through 5 water systems.
Water bodies near Coldwater
Coldwater is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Coldwater
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOWN OF COLDWATER | MS0690002 | 1,381 | GW |
| COTTONVILLE-SAVAGE W/A INC. | MS0690003 | 498 | GW |
| ARKABUTLA WATER ASSOCIATION | MS0690001 | 454 | GW |
| CRESTFIELD WATER ASSOCIATION | MS0690047 | 74 | GW |
| HIDDEN VALLEY LIGHT ASSN | MS0690053 | 61 | GW |
How Coldwater compares
Full Mississippi rankings →Coldwater's score of 50/100 is on par with the average of 54/100 among major Mississippi cities. It outscores 4 of 10 nearby cities. 5 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Mississippi rankings →About Coldwater, MS
Wikipedia →Coldwater is a town in Tate County, Mississippi, United States, and is part of the Memphis Metropolitan Area. As of the 2020 census, Coldwater had a population of 1,381.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Coldwater's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Tate
Frequently asked questions
Is Coldwater, MS tap water safe to drink?
Coldwater's water quality earned a grade of D+ (50/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #279 out of 320 cities tested in Mississippi.
What contaminants are in Coldwater's water?
Lead was measured at 0.3 ppb (90th percentile). 369 violations are on record.
How is Coldwater'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 Coldwater?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Coldwater's water come from?
Coldwater's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 5 water systems serving approximately 2,468 residents.
What health violations has Coldwater's water system had?
Coldwater has 22 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. 44 violations remain unresolved.
Is Coldwater's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Coldwater 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 369 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 Coldwater's water compare to other cities?
Coldwater ranks #279 out of 320 cities in Mississippi (better than 13% of state cities) and #13107 out of 15744 cities nationally (17th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.