Is Decatur, MS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+, with 12 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
65.3/100
waterverge.com Decatur, MS — Water Quality Report
Decatur's drinking water received a grade of C+ (65.3 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 6,718 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.7 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 298 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved.
What to know about Decatur's water
Decatur ranks #185 out of 320 cities in Mississippi for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Decatur 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 17 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Decatur, MS water safe to drink?
Decatur's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (65.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 6,718 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Decatur
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Decatur's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (65.3/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), Nitrate.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
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 Decatur's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Decatur's water system has 298 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved. 17 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Newton County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1974. 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 Decatur's water come from?
Decatur's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 6,718 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Decatur residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Decatur'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.
Decatur'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 Decatur
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Decatur, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 3 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ESCO GROUP LLC NEWTON, MS39345 | Manganese And Manganese Compounds | 3 | 5.9 mi |
BIEWER SAWMILL - NEWTON LLC NEWTON, MS39345 | — | — | 5.1 mi |
LA Z BOY INC PLANT 21 NEWTON, MS39345 | — | — | 5.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtNewton 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
Newton County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1974. 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. | 0.7 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Decatur compares by contaminant
Explore where Decatur ranks among all Mississippi cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Decatur's water comes from
Decatur'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 6,718 people through 3 water systems.
Water systems serving Decatur
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NORTH DECATUR W/A #1 | MS0510012 | 2,455 | GW |
| BEULAH HUBBARD WATER ASSN, INC | MS0510001 | 2,318 | GW |
| TOWN OF DECATUR | MS0510004 | 1,945 | GW |
How Decatur compares
Full Mississippi rankings →Decatur's score of 65.3/100 is above the average of 54/100 among major Mississippi cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Mississippi rankings →About Decatur, MS
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Decatur's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Newton
Frequently asked questions
Is Decatur, MS tap water safe to drink?
Decatur's water quality earned a grade of C+ (65.3/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #185 out of 320 cities tested in Mississippi.
What contaminants are in Decatur's water?
Lead was measured at 0.7 ppb (90th percentile). 298 violations are on record.
How is Decatur'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 Decatur?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Decatur's water come from?
Decatur's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 6,718 residents.
What health violations has Decatur's water system had?
Decatur 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. 12 violations remain unresolved.
Is Decatur's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Decatur 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 298 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 Decatur's water compare to other cities?
Decatur ranks #185 out of 320 cities in Mississippi (better than 42% of state cities) and #11530 out of 15744 cities nationally (27th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.