Is Collins, MS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
60/100
waterverge.com Collins, MS — Water Quality Report
Collins's drinking water received a grade of C (60 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 5,205 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.8 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 459 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved.
What to know about Collins's water
Collins ranks #207 out of 320 cities in Mississippi for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Collins 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.
The system has seen 8 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Collins, MS water safe to drink?
Collins's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C (60/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 5,205 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Collins
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Collins's water quality assessment. Grade: C (60/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
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 Collins'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
Collins's water system has 459 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved. 8 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Covington County has experienced 10 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 Leaf River Nr Collins.
Where does Collins's water come from?
Collins's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 5,205 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Leaf River Nr Collins (river).
What Collins residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Collins'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.
Collins'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 Collins
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Collins, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 1,092,250 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
SANDERSON FARMS LLC COLLINS, MS39428 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 1,092,250 | 0.4 mi |
APAC-MISSISSIPPI INC MT. OLIVE ASPHALT PLANT MOUNT OLIVE, MS39119 | — | — | 8.8 mi |
SANDERSON FARMS LLC COLLINS, MS39428 | — | — | 3.7 mi |
RUTLAND LUMBER CO COLLINS, MS39428 | — | — | 1.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtCovington 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
Covington County has experienced 10 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 Collins'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. | 2.8 | 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. | 2.44 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 2.443 mg/L (1994)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Collins compares by contaminant
Explore where Collins ranks among all Mississippi cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Collins's water comes from
Collins'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 5,205 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Collins
Collins is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Collins
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CITY OF COLLINS | MS0160002 | 2,921 | GW |
| WILLOW GROVE WATER ASSN | MS0160010 | 2,284 | GW |
How Collins compares
Full Mississippi rankings →Collins's score of 60/100 is above the average of 54/100 among major Mississippi cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Mississippi rankings →About Collins, MS
Wikipedia →Collins is a city in Covington County, Mississippi, United States. As of the 2020 census, Collins had a population of 2,342. It is the county seat of Covington County.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Collins's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Covington
Frequently asked questions
Is Collins, MS tap water safe to drink?
Collins's water quality earned a grade of C (60/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #207 out of 320 cities tested in Mississippi.
What contaminants are in Collins's water?
Lead was measured at 2.8 ppb (90th percentile). 459 violations are on record.
How is Collins'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 Collins?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Collins's water come from?
Collins's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 5,205 residents.
What health violations has Collins's water system had?
Collins has 6 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 9 violations remain unresolved.
Is Collins's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Collins 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 459 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 Collins's water compare to other cities?
Collins ranks #207 out of 320 cities in Mississippi (better than 35% of state cities) and #12125 out of 15744 cities nationally (23th percentile). The grade of C reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.