Is Golden, MS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
93/100
waterverge.com Golden, MS — Water Quality Report
Golden's drinking water received a grade of A (93 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,848 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.5 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 71 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Golden's water
Golden ranks #4 out of 320 cities in Mississippi for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Golden 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, Golden may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Golden, MS water safe to drink?
Golden's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A (93/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,848 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Golden
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Golden's water quality assessment. Grade: A (93/100).
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: Radium-226, Radium-228.
Contaminants: Radium-228, Radium-226.
Contaminants: Radium-228, Radium-226.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Golden's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Golden's water system has 71 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 3 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Tishomingo County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1991. 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 Tenn-Tom Ww Below Jamie Whitten L&D Nr Dennis, Red Bud Creek Nr Moores Mill, Bear Creek.
Where does Golden's water come from?
Golden's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,848 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Tenn-Tom Ww Below Jamie Whitten L&D Nr Dennis (lake), Red Bud Creek Nr Moores Mill (river), Bear Creek (river).
What Golden residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Golden'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.
Golden'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 Golden
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Golden, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 2 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
GATES CORP RED BAY, AL35582 | Zinc compounds | 2 | 2.9 mi |
PATRICK INDUSTRIES INC,DBA BAYMONT INC BELMONT FACILITY GOLDEN, MS38847 | — | — | 0.9 mi |
PRESTIGE PAINTING BELMONT BELMONT, MS38827 | — | — | 1.1 mi |
COMFORT REVOLUTION BELMONT, MS38827 | — | — | 1.1 mi |
PATRICK INDUSTRIES INC DBA BAYMONT INDUSTRIES PLANT NO. 2 BELMONT, MS38827 | — | — | 1.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtTishomingo 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
Tishomingo County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1991. 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. | 1.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Golden compares by contaminant
Explore where Golden ranks among all Mississippi cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Golden's water comes from
Golden'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 1,848 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Golden
Golden is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Golden
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOWN OF GOLDEN WATER DEPT | MS0710005 | 1,848 | GW |
How Golden compares
Full Mississippi rankings →Golden's score of 93/100 is above the average of 54/100 among major Mississippi cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Mississippi rankings →About Golden, MS
Wikipedia →Golden is a town in Tishomingo County, Mississippi, United States. The population was 192 at the 2020 census. The current Mayor of the Town of Golden is Sherry Shook. The current Police Chief is John M. Brown
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Golden's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Tishomingo
Frequently asked questions
Is Golden, MS tap water safe to drink?
Golden's water quality earned a grade of A (93/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #4 out of 320 cities tested in Mississippi.
What contaminants are in Golden's water?
Lead was measured at 1.5 ppb (90th percentile). 71 violations are on record.
How is Golden'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 Golden?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Golden's water come from?
Golden's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,848 residents.
What health violations has Golden's water system had?
Golden has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2012. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Golden's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Golden 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 71 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 Golden's water compare to other cities?
Golden ranks #4 out of 320 cities in Mississippi (better than 99% of state cities) and #1014 out of 15744 cities nationally (94th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Golden's small water system affect quality?
Golden's system serves approximately 1,848 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 71 violations on record.