Is Hillsboro, MS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
84.8/100
waterverge.com Hillsboro, MS — Water Quality Report
Hillsboro's drinking water received a grade of B+ (84.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,808 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.3 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 230 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Hillsboro's water
Hillsboro ranks #55 out of 320 cities in Mississippi for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Hillsboro 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, Hillsboro may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Hillsboro, MS water safe to drink?
Hillsboro's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (84.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,808 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Hillsboro
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Hillsboro's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (84.8/100).
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: Combined Uranium, Radium-226, Radium-228.
Contaminants: Radium-228, Combined Uranium, Radium-226.
Contaminants: Combined Uranium, Radium-228, Radium-226.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Hillsboro's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Hillsboro's water system has 230 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Scott County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 2004. 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 Tuscolameta Creek, South Canal Tuscolameta Creek Nr Walnut Grove.
Where does Hillsboro's water come from?
Hillsboro's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,808 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Tuscolameta Creek (river), South Canal Tuscolameta Creek Nr Walnut Grove (river).
What Hillsboro residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Hillsboro'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.
Hillsboro'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 Hillsboro
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Hillsboro, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 481,807 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
TYSON FARMS INC. FOREST, MS39074 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 481,807 | 7.1 mi |
MMC MATERIALS INC - FOREST FOREST, MS39074 | Lead | 0 | 6.3 mi |
KOCH FOODS OF MISSISSIPPI LLC FOREST, MS39074 | — | — | 6.8 mi |
TYSON FARMS INC. - FOREST MS T2 FOREST, MS39074 | — | — | 6.4 mi |
RTX CORP (RAYTHEON) FOREST, MS39074 | — | — | 8.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtScott 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
Scott County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 2004. 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. | 1.3 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Hillsboro compares by contaminant
Explore where Hillsboro ranks among all Mississippi cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Hillsboro's water comes from
Hillsboro'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 1,808 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Hillsboro
Hillsboro is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Hillsboro
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| C & C W/A | MS0620001 | 1,808 | GW |
How Hillsboro compares
Full Mississippi rankings →Hillsboro's score of 84.8/100 is above the average of 54/100 among major Mississippi cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Mississippi rankings →About Hillsboro, MS
Wikipedia →Hillsboro is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Scott County, Mississippi, United States. Its population was 1,130 as of the 2010 census. Hillsboro has a post office with ZIP code 39087.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Hillsboro's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Scott
Frequently asked questions
Is Hillsboro, MS tap water safe to drink?
Hillsboro's water quality earned a grade of B+ (84.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #55 out of 320 cities tested in Mississippi.
What contaminants are in Hillsboro's water?
Lead was measured at 1.3 ppb (90th percentile). 230 violations are on record.
How is Hillsboro'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 Hillsboro?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Hillsboro's water come from?
Hillsboro's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,808 residents.
What health violations has Hillsboro's water system had?
Hillsboro has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2012. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Hillsboro's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Hillsboro 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 230 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 Hillsboro's water compare to other cities?
Hillsboro ranks #55 out of 320 cities in Mississippi (better than 83% of state cities) and #5679 out of 15744 cities nationally (64th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Hillsboro's small water system affect quality?
Hillsboro's system serves approximately 1,808 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 230 violations on record.