Is Edwards, MS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 12 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
53/100
waterverge.com Edwards, MS — Water Quality Report
Edwards's drinking water received a grade of D+ (53 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,980 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.8 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 248 violations on record, including 13 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved.
What to know about Edwards's water
Edwards ranks #231 out of 320 cities in Mississippi for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Edwards 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, Edwards may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 18 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Edwards, MS water safe to drink?
Edwards's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (53/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,980 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Edwards
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Edwards's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (53/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
1 health-based. Contaminants: 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 Edwards's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Edwards's water system has 248 total violations on record, including 13 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved. 18 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. Local water sources include Big Black River Nr Bovina.
Where does Edwards's water come from?
Edwards's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,980 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Big Black River Nr Bovina (river).
What Edwards residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Edwards'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.
Edwards'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 Edwards
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Edwards, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ELECTROLUX PROFESSIONAL GROUP VICKSBURG, MS39183 | — | — | 3.8 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. | 0.8 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Edwards compares by contaminant
Explore where Edwards ranks among all Mississippi cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Edwards's water comes from
Edwards'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 1,980 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Edwards
Edwards is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Edwards
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOWN OF EDWARDS | MS0250005 | 1,980 | GW |
How Edwards compares
Full Mississippi rankings →Edwards's score of 53/100 is on par with the average of 54/100 among major Mississippi cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Mississippi rankings →About Edwards, MS
Wikipedia →Edwards is a town in Hinds County, Mississippi, United States. As of the 2020 census, Edwards had a population of 995. It is part of the Jackson Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Edwards's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Hinds
Frequently asked questions
Is Edwards, MS tap water safe to drink?
Edwards's water quality earned a grade of D+ (53/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #231 out of 320 cities tested in Mississippi.
What contaminants are in Edwards's water?
Lead was measured at 0.8 ppb (90th percentile). 248 violations are on record.
How is Edwards'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 Edwards?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Edwards's water come from?
Edwards's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,980 residents.
What health violations has Edwards's water system had?
Edwards has 13 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in March 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 12 violations remain unresolved.
Is Edwards's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Edwards 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 248 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 Edwards's water compare to other cities?
Edwards ranks #231 out of 320 cities in Mississippi (better than 28% of state cities) and #12723 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.
Does Edwards's small water system affect quality?
Edwards's system serves approximately 1,980 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 248 violations on record.