Is Ethel, MS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
46/100
waterverge.com Ethel, MS — Water Quality Report
Ethel's drinking water received a grade of D (46 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 8 water systems serve approximately 5,185 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.9 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 733 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 49 remain unresolved.
What to know about Ethel's water
Ethel ranks #313 out of 320 cities in Mississippi for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Ethel 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 6 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Ethel, MS water safe to drink?
Ethel's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (46/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 8 water systems serve approximately 5,185 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Ethel
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Ethel's water quality assessment. Grade: D (46/100).
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.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Ethel'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
Ethel's water system has 733 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 49 remain unresolved. 6 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Attala County has experienced 7 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 Yockanookany River Trib Nr Mccool, Yockanookany River Nr Kosciusko.
Where does Ethel's water come from?
Ethel's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 8 water systems serving approximately 5,185 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Yockanookany River Trib Nr Mccool (river), Yockanookany River Nr Kosciusko (river).
What Ethel residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Ethel'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.
Ethel'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 droughtAttala 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
Attala County has experienced 7 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 Ethel'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. | 1.9 | 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. | 1.79 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Ethel compares by contaminant
Explore where Ethel ranks among all Mississippi cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Ethel's water comes from
Ethel'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 5,185 people through 8 water systems.
Water bodies near Ethel
Ethel is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Ethel
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ETHEL RURAL WATER ASSOCIATION | MS0040003 | 1,544 | GW |
| PAN HANDLE WATER ASSOCIATION | MS0100006 | 990 | GW |
| MISSISSIPPI WATER COMPANY | MS0040012 | 785 | GWP |
| POPLAR CREEK WATER ASSOCIATION | MS0490007 | 634 | GW |
| TOWN OF ETHEL | MS0040002 | 486 | GW |
| SUGAR CREEK WATER ASSOCIATION | MS0040009 | 405 | GWP |
| PAN HANDLE W/A #2 | MS0100016 | 198 | GW |
| FRENCH CAMP ACADEMY | MS0100010 | 143 | GW |
How Ethel compares
Full Mississippi rankings →Ethel's score of 46/100 is below the average of 54/100 among major Mississippi cities. It outscores 1 of 10 nearby cities. 9 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Mississippi rankings →About Ethel, MS
Wikipedia →Ethel is a U.S. town in Attala County, Mississippi. As of the 2020 census, Ethel had a population of 348.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Ethel's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Attala
Frequently asked questions
Is Ethel, MS tap water safe to drink?
Ethel's water quality earned a grade of D (46/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #313 out of 320 cities tested in Mississippi.
What contaminants are in Ethel's water?
Lead was measured at 1.9 ppb (90th percentile). 733 violations are on record.
How is Ethel'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 Ethel?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Ethel's water come from?
Ethel's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 8 water systems serving approximately 5,185 residents.
What health violations has Ethel's water system had?
Ethel has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 49 violations remain unresolved.
Is Ethel's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Ethel 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 733 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 Ethel's water compare to other cities?
Ethel ranks #313 out of 320 cities in Mississippi (better than 2% of state cities) and #13955 out of 15744 cities nationally (11th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.