WaterVerge

Is Goodman, MS Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded C, with 26 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

2K residents served 2 water systems PWSID: MS0260008
Overall Score
60.9 / 100
Violations
26 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#203 of 320 in Mississippi Top 77% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
CGRADE
Water Quality Grade
60.9/100
waterverge.com
C 60.9/100

Goodman, MS — Water Quality Report

Goodman's drinking water received a grade of C (60.9 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,240 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 1.0 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 307 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 26 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Goodman's water

Goodman ranks #203 out of 320 cities in Mississippi for water quality, placing it below average in the state.

Goodman 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, Goodman may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

The system has seen 19 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
60.9 out of 100 Grade C
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
10.9/45
F
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
8/10
B
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Goodman, MS water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Goodman's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C (60.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,240 residents using groundwater (wells).

26
Active Violations
1.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
8 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Goodman

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Goodman's water quality assessment. Grade: C (60.9/100).

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Public Notice.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Disaster
HURRICANE IDA

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4626). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
HURRICANE IDA

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 Goodman's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 1.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Goodman's water system has 307 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 26 remain unresolved. 19 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

MROtherMONTTMCL
Most recent violations:
Jan 2024 TTHM Resolved
Jan 2024 Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Resolved
Nov 2023 Public Notice Open
Nov 2023 Public Notice Open
Jul 2023 Consumer Confidence Rule Open

Flood & environmental risk

Holmes County has experienced 8 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 Black Creek.

HURRICANE IDA
Hurricane FEMA DR-4626
HURRICANE IDA
Hurricane FEMA DR-3569
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4268

Where does Goodman's water come from?

Goodman's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,240 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Black Creek (river).

What Goodman residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Goodman's water.

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

Goodman'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
1.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 7% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

307
Total violations
5
Health-based
26
Active / unresolved
Jan 2024
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

307 Total
26 Active
5 Health-based
281 Resolved
Violations by category
Radionuclides and Revised Rad Rule
201
Volatile Organic Chemicals
42
Total Coliform Rule
17
Public Notice Rule and Revised PN Rule
13
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
13
Nov 2023 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Nov 2023 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jul 2023 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Mar 2023 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jul 2022 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jun 2022 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jan 2022 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Oct 2021 Active
Groundwater Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Jan 2021 Active
Groundwater Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Jul 2017 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 2008 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Oct 2008 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Aug 2006 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jul 2006 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jul 2006 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jun 2006 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jul 2005 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
May 2005 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jan 2005 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Sep 2004 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Showing 20 of 307 violations
Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D3 — extreme drought

Holmes 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.

6
Weeks at D2+ (current streak)
10.4%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
6
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

8
Declared disasters
Oct 2021
Most recent
Hurricane
Most common type

Holmes County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 2005. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Oct 2021
HURRICANE IDA
Hurricane FEMA #4626
Aug 2021
HURRICANE IDA
Hurricane FEMA #3569
Mar 2016
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4268
Aug 2012
HURRICANE ISAAC
Hurricane FEMA #4081
Aug 2012
TROPICAL STORM ISAAC
Hurricane FEMA #3348
Aug 2008
HURRICANE GUSTAV
Hurricane FEMA #3291

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 1.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 11.0 ppb from 1993 (12.0 ppb) to 2025 (1.0 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
2,240
Water Systems
2
Water Source

Where Goodman's water comes from

Groundwater

Goodman'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 2,240 people through 2 water systems.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Goodman

Goodman is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Black Creek
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Goodman

System Name PWSID Population Source
TOWN OF GOODMAN MS0260008 1,188 GW
HOLMES JR COLLEGE MS0260010 1,052 GW
Regional Comparison

How Goodman compares

Full Mississippi rankings →

Goodman's score of 60.9/100 is above the average of 54/100 among major Mississippi cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.

Goodman (this city)
60.9
Jackson
47.8
Canton
50
Oxford
40.5
Mississippi avg
54
City Profile

About Goodman, MS

Economic Profile
$12,207
Median Income
$362/mo
Median Rent
17.7%
Unemployment
Community
20.1
Median Age
604
People / sq mi
3.8%
College Educated
20.6%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Goodman, MS tap water safe to drink?

Goodman's water quality earned a grade of C (60.9/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #203 out of 320 cities tested in Mississippi.

What contaminants are in Goodman's water?

Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 307 violations are on record.

How is Goodman'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 Goodman?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Goodman's water come from?

Goodman's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,240 residents.

What health violations has Goodman's water system had?

Goodman has 5 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. 26 violations remain unresolved.

Is Goodman's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Goodman 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 307 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 Goodman's water compare to other cities?

Goodman ranks #203 out of 320 cities in Mississippi (better than 37% of state cities) and #12039 out of 15744 cities nationally (24th percentile). The grade of C reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.