Is Houlka, MS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C-, with 21 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
59.3/100
waterverge.com Houlka, MS — Water Quality Report
Houlka's drinking water received a grade of C- (59.3 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 3,753 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.3 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 430 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 21 remain unresolved.
What to know about Houlka's water
Houlka ranks #210 out of 320 cities in Mississippi for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Houlka 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.
The system has seen 10 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Houlka, MS water safe to drink?
Houlka's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C- (59.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 3,753 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Houlka
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Houlka's water quality assessment. Grade: C- (59.3/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
2 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
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.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Houlka's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Houlka's water system has 430 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 21 remain unresolved. 10 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Chickasaw County has experienced 5 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.
Where does Houlka's water come from?
Houlka's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 3,753 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Houlka residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Houlka'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.
Houlka'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 droughtChickasaw 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
Chickasaw County has experienced 5 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. | 2.3 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Houlka compares by contaminant
Explore where Houlka ranks among all Mississippi cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Houlka's water comes from
Houlka'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 3,753 people through 3 water systems.
Water systems serving Houlka
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HOULKA-HOUSTON W/A | MS0090004 | 1,668 | GW |
| TOWN OF NEW HOULKA | MS0090003 | 1,515 | GW |
| HOULKA-WASHINGTON EXT | MS0580023 | 570 | GW |
How Houlka compares
Full Mississippi rankings →Houlka's score of 59.3/100 is above the average of 54/100 among major Mississippi cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Mississippi rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Houlka's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Chickasaw
Frequently asked questions
Is Houlka, MS tap water safe to drink?
Houlka's water quality earned a grade of C- (59.3/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #210 out of 320 cities tested in Mississippi.
What contaminants are in Houlka's water?
Lead was measured at 2.3 ppb (90th percentile). 430 violations are on record.
How is Houlka'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 Houlka?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Houlka's water come from?
Houlka's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 3,753 residents.
What health violations has Houlka's water system had?
Houlka has 6 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 21 violations remain unresolved.
Is Houlka's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Houlka 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 430 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 Houlka's water compare to other cities?
Houlka ranks #210 out of 320 cities in Mississippi (better than 34% of state cities) and #12191 out of 15744 cities nationally (23th percentile). The grade of C- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.