WaterVerge

Is Grenada, MS Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded F — but Copper and Manganese were detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓

30K residents served 9 water systems PWSID: MS0220003
Overall Score
44.5 / 100
Violations
57 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#319 of 320 in Mississippi Top 91% nationally
Local Government
High data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
FGRADE
Water Quality Grade
44.5/100
waterverge.com
F 44.5/100

Grenada, MS — Water Quality Report

Grenada's drinking water received a grade of F (44.5 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 9 water systems serve approximately 30,245 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 0.9 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. UCMR 5 testing detected 1 PFAS compound in the water supply.

The system has 1708 violations on record, including 38 health-based violations. 57 remain unresolved.

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

What to know about Grenada's water

Grenada ranks #319 out of 320 cities in Mississippi for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.

Grenada 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.

PFAS compounds were detected in testing, though levels remain within current EPA limits. Residents seeking extra precaution may consider an activated carbon or reverse osmosis filter.

The system has seen 39 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
44.5 out of 100 Grade F
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
0/45
F
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
16/20
B
Lead at 0.9 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
13.4/20
C
1 PFAS compound detected.
Compliance
10/10
A
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Grenada, MS water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Grenada's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (44.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 9 water systems serve approximately 30,245 residents using groundwater (wells).

57
Active Violations
0.9 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
1 compound
PFAS Detected
8 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Grenada

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

PFAS
1 PFAS "forever chemical" compound detected

Detected at levels within current EPA limits. PFAS persist indefinitely in the environment.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Grenada's water quality assessment. Grade: F (44.5/100).

Violation
20 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), Nitrite.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Public Notice.

Disaster
HURRICANE IDA

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

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Grenada's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 0.9 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Copper Exceeds Limit
Detected: 2.73 mg/L Limit: 1.3 mg/L (EPA Action Level)

Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.

PFAS (1 compound) Elevated
Detected: Highest: lithium at 23.0000 µg/L Limit: 0.004 µg/L (EPA MCL)

Detected but within current EPA limits. PFAS do not break down in the environment and can accumulate in the body over time. An activated carbon filter can reduce exposure.

Violation history

Grenada's water system has 1,708 total violations on record, including 38 health-based violations. 57 remain unresolved. 39 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

MROtherTTMCL
Most recent violations:
Jan 2024 TTHM Resolved
Jan 2024 Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Resolved
Jan 2024 Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Resolved
Jan 2024 TTHM Resolved
Jan 2024 TTHM Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Grenada County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1983. 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 Batupan Bogue, Yalobusha River.

HURRICANE IDA
Hurricane FEMA DR-4626
HURRICANE IDA
Hurricane FEMA DR-3569
HURRICANE ISAAC
Hurricane FEMA DR-4081

Where does Grenada's water come from?

Grenada's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 9 water systems serving approximately 30,245 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Batupan Bogue (river), Yalobusha River (river).

What Grenada residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: Activated carbon or reverse osmosis filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Grenada'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

Grenada'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
0.9 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 6% of limit
Safe Level
Copper (90th percentile)
Inorganic
Over Limit
2.73 mg/L
EPA Action Level: 1.3 mg/L · +20% over limit
Exceeds Limit
lithium
PFAS / Forever Chemical
Near MCL
23.0000 µg/L
EPA MCL: 0.004 µg/L · +20% over limit
Detected
HAA5 (Disinfection Byproducts)
Disinfection Byproduct
Safe
4.5 µg/L
EPA MCL: 60 µg/L · 8% of limit
Within LimitUCMR 4 DataHAA6Br: 5.2 µg/LHAA9: 7.9 µg/L
Strontium
Inorganic
Detected
601.4 µg/L
EPA Health Ref Level: 1,500 µg/L · 40% of limit
DetectedUCMR 3 Data
Manganese
Inorganic
Over SMCL
260.0 µg/L
EPA Secondary MCL: 50 µg/L · +20% over limit
Over SMCLUCMR 4 Data
Lithium
Inorganic
Detected
23.0 µg/L
State screening level: 60 µg/L · 38% of limit
DetectedNo federal MCLUCMR 5 Data (2023–2025)
PFAS Testing

Forever chemicals overview

National PFAS report →
30
Compounds tested
1
Detected
0
Exceed EPA MCL
Compliance Record

Violation summary

1708
Total violations
38
Health-based
57
Active / unresolved
Jan 2024
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

1708 Total
57 Active
38 Health-based
1651 Resolved
8 SNC
Violations by category
Radionuclides and Revised Rad Rule
1566
Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
36
Consumer Confidence Rule
26
Total Coliform Rule
24
Public Notice Rule and Revised PN Rule
19
Jul 2023 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Mar 2023 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jan 2023 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Sep 2022 Active
Groundwater Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Dec 2021 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Dec 2021 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jan 2021 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jan 2020 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Sep 2019 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jun 2019 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Oct 2008 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Oct 2008 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Oct 2008 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Oct 2008 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Oct 2008 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Oct 2008 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Oct 2008 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Oct 2008 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jul 2008 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2008 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Showing 20 of 1708 violations
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Grenada

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Grenada, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

Total reported releases to surface water: 106,260 lbs

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
RESOLUTE FP US INC - GRENADA MILL
Paper · RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC
GRENADA, MS38901
Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution)106,2223.9 mi
MMC MATERIALS INC - GRENADA
Nonmetallic Mineral Product · MMC MATERIALS INC
GRENADA, MS38901
Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution)221.0 mi
MODINE MANUFACTURING CO
Machinery · MODINE MANUFACTURING CO
GRENADA, MS38901
Copper114.3 mi
MODINE GRENADA CIS
Machinery · MODINE MANUFACTURING CO
GRENADA, MS38901
Copper63.0 mi
TRULITE GLASS & ALUMINUM SOLUTIONS
Nonmetallic Mineral Product · TRULITE GLASS & ALUMINUM SOLUTIONS
GRENADA, MS38901
0.9 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Site context

Superfund sites within 10 miles of Grenada

Superfund sites nearby

Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.

Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List

Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D3 — extreme drought

Grenada 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.

14
Weeks at D2+ (current streak)
5.0%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
14
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

Grenada County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1983. 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
Aug 2012
HURRICANE ISAAC
Hurricane FEMA #4081
Aug 2012
TROPICAL STORM ISAAC
Hurricane FEMA #3348
Aug 2008
HURRICANE GUSTAV
Hurricane FEMA #3291
Aug 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA
Hurricane FEMA #1604

Recommended water filters

Based on contaminants detected in Grenada's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.

🧪
For PFAS
Reverse Osmosis or Activated Carbon Block
1 PFAS compound detected
🔧
For Copper
Reverse Osmosis or KDF Filter
Copper exceeds the EPA action level of 1.3 mg/L

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 0.9 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Copper (90th percentile) 2.73 1.3 mg/L Inorganic Over Limit
11Cl-PF3OUdS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
4:2 FTS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
6:2 FTS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
8:2 FTS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
9Cl-PF3ONS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
ADONA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
HFPO-DA ND 0.01 µg/L PFAS Not Detected
lithium 23.000 HI µg/L PFAS Detected
NEtFOSAA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
NFDHA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
NMeFOSAA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFBA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFBS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFDA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFDoA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFEESA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFHpA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFHpS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFHxA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFHxS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFMBA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFMPA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFNA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFOA ND 0.004 µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFOS ND 0.004 µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFPeA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFPeS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFTA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFTrDA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFUnA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has increased by 0.9 ppb from 1992 (2.0 ppb) to 2025 (2.9 ppb).

Copper level (90th percentile)

Latest reading: 2.730 mg/L (2022)

EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L

Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
30,245
Water Systems
9
Water Source

Where Grenada's water comes from

Groundwater

Grenada'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 30,245 people through 9 water systems.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Grenada

Grenada is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Batupan Bogue
river
Yalobusha River
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Grenada

System Name PWSID Population Source
CITY OF GRENADA MS0220003 12,762 GW
G T & Y WATER DISTRICT INC MS0220002 3,965 GW
POOR HOUSE W/A #1 MS0220008 2,806 GW
GRENADA CO W/S-GIRL SCOUT MS0220005 2,410 GW
GRENADA IND PK & AIRPORT WATER MS0220036 1,991 GW
GRENADA CO W/S-MONDY RD/ELLIOT MS0220007 1,964 GW
GRENADA-BOGUE BASIN/HOLCOMB MS0220004 1,837 GW
GRENADA-BOGUE BASIN/GORE SPRGS MS0220062 1,832 GW
POOR HOUSE W/A #2 MS0220013 678 GW
Regional Comparison

How Grenada compares

Full Mississippi rankings →

Grenada's score of 44.5/100 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.

Grenada (this city)
44.5
Jackson
47.8
Canton
50
Oxford
40.5
Mississippi avg
54
City Profile

About Grenada, MS

Wikipedia →

Grenada is a city in Grenada County, Mississippi, United States. Founded in 1836, As of the 2020 census, Grenada had a population of 12,700. It is the county seat of Grenada County.

Economic Profile
$40,714
Median Income
$142,832
Median Home Value
$752/mo
Median Rent
6.3%
Unemployment
Community
37.1
Median Age
162
People / sq mi
24.4%
College Educated
59.3%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Grenada, MS tap water safe to drink?

Grenada's water quality earned a grade of F (44.5/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #319 out of 320 cities tested in Mississippi.

What contaminants are in Grenada's water?

Lead was measured at 0.9 ppb (90th percentile). 1 PFAS compound was detected. 1708 violations are on record.

How is Grenada'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 Grenada?

PFAS compounds have been detected. A filter with activated carbon can help reduce exposure.

Where does Grenada's water come from?

Grenada's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 9 water systems serving approximately 30,245 residents.

What health violations has Grenada's water system had?

Grenada has 38 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. 57 violations remain unresolved.

Is Grenada's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Grenada 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 1708 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 Grenada's water compare to other cities?

Grenada ranks #319 out of 320 cities in Mississippi (better than 0% of state cities) and #14352 out of 15744 cities nationally (9th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.