Is Hickory Flat, MS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+, with 20 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
66.7/100
waterverge.com Hickory Flat, MS — Water Quality Report
Hickory Flat's drinking water received a grade of C+ (66.7 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,597 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.5 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 431 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 20 remain unresolved.
What to know about Hickory Flat's water
Hickory Flat ranks #179 out of 320 cities in Mississippi for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Hickory Flat 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, Hickory Flat may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
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 Hickory Flat, MS water safe to drink?
Hickory Flat's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (66.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,597 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Hickory Flat
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Hickory Flat's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (66.7/100).
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4626). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
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 Hickory Flat's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Hickory Flat's water system has 431 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 20 remain unresolved. 6 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Benton County has experienced 4 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 Little Tallahatchie River.
Where does Hickory Flat's water come from?
Hickory Flat's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,597 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Little Tallahatchie River (river).
What Hickory Flat residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Hickory Flat'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.
Hickory Flat'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
D2 — severe droughtBenton 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
Benton County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 2005. 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. | 0.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Hickory Flat compares by contaminant
Explore where Hickory Flat ranks among all Mississippi cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Hickory Flat's water comes from
Hickory Flat'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 1,597 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Hickory Flat
Hickory Flat is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Hickory Flat
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOWN OF HICKORY FLAT | MS0050002 | 1,423 | GW |
| LAKE ARROWHEAD | MS0730010 | 174 | GW |
How Hickory Flat compares
Full Mississippi rankings →Hickory Flat's score of 66.7/100 is above the average of 54/100 among major Mississippi cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Mississippi rankings →About Hickory Flat, MS
Wikipedia →Hickory Flat is a town in Benton County, Mississippi, United States. As of the 2020 census, Hickory Flat had a population of 496.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Hickory Flat's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Benton
Frequently asked questions
Is Hickory Flat, MS tap water safe to drink?
Hickory Flat's water quality earned a grade of C+ (66.7/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #179 out of 320 cities tested in Mississippi.
What contaminants are in Hickory Flat's water?
Lead was measured at 0.5 ppb (90th percentile). 431 violations are on record.
How is Hickory Flat'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 Hickory Flat?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Hickory Flat's water come from?
Hickory Flat's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,597 residents.
What health violations has Hickory Flat's water system had?
Hickory Flat has 6 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. 20 violations remain unresolved.
Is Hickory Flat's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Hickory Flat 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 431 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 Hickory Flat's water compare to other cities?
Hickory Flat ranks #179 out of 320 cities in Mississippi (better than 44% of state cities) and #11343 out of 15744 cities nationally (28th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.