Is Dekalb, MS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 8 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
79.4/100
waterverge.com Dekalb, MS — Water Quality Report
Dekalb's drinking water received a grade of B (79.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 3,868 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 154 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved.
What to know about Dekalb's water
Dekalb ranks #106 out of 320 cities in Mississippi for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Dekalb 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 9 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Dekalb, MS water safe to drink?
Dekalb's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (79.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 3,868 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Dekalb
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Dekalb's water quality assessment. Grade: B (79.4/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Combined Uranium, Chlorine.
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 Dekalb's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Dekalb's water system has 154 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved. 9 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Kemper 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 Dekalb's water come from?
Dekalb's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 3,868 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Dekalb residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Dekalb'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.
Dekalb'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
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtKemper 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
Kemper 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. | 0.3 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Dekalb compares by contaminant
Explore where Dekalb ranks among all Mississippi cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Dekalb's water comes from
Dekalb'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 3,868 people through 4 water systems.
Water systems serving Dekalb
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| KIPLING W/A #1 | MS0350002 | 2,637 | GW |
| TOWN OF DEKALB | MS0350001 | 985 | GW |
| KIPLING W/A #4 | MS0350026 | 169 | GWP |
| KIPLING W/A #3-OLD SCOOBA RD | MS0350019 | 77 | GWP |
How Dekalb compares
Full Mississippi rankings →Dekalb's score of 79.4/100 is above the average of 54/100 among major Mississippi cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Mississippi rankings →About Dekalb, MS
Wikipedia →De Kalb is a town in and the county seat of Kemper County, Mississippi, United States. As of the 2020 census, De Kalb had a population of 877. De Kalb is named after General Johann de Kalb, a Franconian-French military officer who served as a major general in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Dekalb's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Kemper
Frequently asked questions
Is Dekalb, MS tap water safe to drink?
Dekalb's water quality earned a grade of B (79.4/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #106 out of 320 cities tested in Mississippi.
What contaminants are in Dekalb's water?
Lead was measured at 0.3 ppb (90th percentile). 154 violations are on record.
How is Dekalb'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 Dekalb?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Dekalb's water come from?
Dekalb's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 3,868 residents.
What health violations has Dekalb's water system had?
Dekalb has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in June 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 8 violations remain unresolved.
Is Dekalb's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Dekalb 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 154 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 Dekalb's water compare to other cities?
Dekalb ranks #106 out of 320 cities in Mississippi (better than 67% of state cities) and #8267 out of 15744 cities nationally (48th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.