Is Heidelberg, MS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 11 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
77.3/100
waterverge.com Heidelberg, MS — Water Quality Report
Heidelberg's drinking water received a grade of B (77.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,176 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.1 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 363 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved.
What to know about Heidelberg's water
Heidelberg ranks #124 out of 320 cities in Mississippi for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Heidelberg 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, Heidelberg may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Heidelberg, MS water safe to drink?
Heidelberg's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (77.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,176 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Heidelberg
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Heidelberg's water quality assessment. Grade: B (77.3/100).
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: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Combined Uranium, Radium-226, Radium-228.
Contaminants: Radium-226, Radium-228, Combined Uranium.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Heidelberg's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Heidelberg's water system has 363 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Jasper County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1979. 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 Tallahala Creek.
Where does Heidelberg's water come from?
Heidelberg's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 3,176 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Tallahala Creek (river).
What Heidelberg residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Heidelberg'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.
Heidelberg'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 Heidelberg
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Heidelberg, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
HUNT SOUTHLAND REFINING CO-SANDERSVILLE SANDERSVILLE, MS39477 | — | — | 7.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtJasper 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
Jasper County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1979. 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. | 1.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Heidelberg compares by contaminant
Explore where Heidelberg ranks among all Mississippi cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Heidelberg's water comes from
Heidelberg'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 3,176 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Heidelberg
Heidelberg is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Heidelberg
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PHILADELPHIA WATER ASSN | MS0310010 | 2,062 | GW |
| TOWN OF HEIDELBERG | MS0310005 | 1,114 | GW |
How Heidelberg compares
Full Mississippi rankings →Heidelberg's score of 77.3/100 is above the average of 54/100 among major Mississippi cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Mississippi rankings →About Heidelberg, MS
Wikipedia →Heidelberg is a town in Jasper County, Mississippi, United States. As of the 2020 census, Heidelberg had a population of 637.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Heidelberg's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Jasper
Frequently asked questions
Is Heidelberg, MS tap water safe to drink?
Heidelberg's water quality earned a grade of B (77.3/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #124 out of 320 cities tested in Mississippi.
What contaminants are in Heidelberg's water?
Lead was measured at 1.1 ppb (90th percentile). 363 violations are on record.
How is Heidelberg'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 Heidelberg?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Heidelberg's water come from?
Heidelberg's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 3,176 residents.
What health violations has Heidelberg's water system had?
Heidelberg has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2017. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 11 violations remain unresolved.
Is Heidelberg's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Heidelberg 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 363 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 Heidelberg's water compare to other cities?
Heidelberg ranks #124 out of 320 cities in Mississippi (better than 61% of state cities) and #9034 out of 15744 cities nationally (43th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.