Is Inverness, MS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 35 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
73.4/100
waterverge.com Inverness, MS — Water Quality Report
Inverness's drinking water received a grade of B- (73.4 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,988 residents using purchased ground water.
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 193 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 35 remain unresolved.
What to know about Inverness's water
Inverness ranks #153 out of 320 cities in Mississippi for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Inverness purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
As a small community water system, Inverness 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 Inverness, MS water safe to drink?
Inverness's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (73.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,988 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Inverness
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Inverness's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (73.4/100).
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
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 Inverness's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Inverness's water system has 193 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 35 remain unresolved. 6 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Sunflower County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1991. 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 Inverness's water come from?
Inverness's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 1,988 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Inverness residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Inverness'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.
Inverness'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 Inverness
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Inverness, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 4,806 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CONSOLIDATED CATFISH CO LLC ISOLA, MS38754 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 4,806 | 6.8 mi |
GRESHAM PETROLEUM CO INDIANOLA, MS38751 | — | — | 7.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtSunflower 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.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Sunflower County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1991. 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 Inverness compares by contaminant
Explore where Inverness ranks among all Mississippi cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Inverness's water comes from
Inverness purchases its water supply from a regional wholesale provider rather than treating raw water directly.
Water quality depends on both the wholesaler's treatment standards and the condition of Inverness's local distribution pipes and storage facilities.
Purchased water systems are common in suburban areas and smaller communities that lack the infrastructure for independent treatment.
The system is operated by public/private ownership and serves approximately 1,988 people through 3 water systems.
Water systems serving Inverness
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SO. SUNFLOWER W/A-INVERNESS | MS0670015 | 898 | GWP |
| TOWN OF INVERNESS | MS0670007 | 839 | GW |
| SO SUNFLOWER W/A-INDIANOLA | MS0670013 | 251 | GWP |
How Inverness compares
Full Mississippi rankings →Inverness's score of 73.4/100 is above the average of 54/100 among major Mississippi cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Mississippi rankings →About Inverness, MS
Wikipedia →Inverness is a town in Sunflower County, Mississippi, United States. The population was 868 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Inverness's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Sunflower
Frequently asked questions
Is Inverness, MS tap water safe to drink?
Inverness's water quality earned a grade of B- (73.4/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #153 out of 320 cities tested in Mississippi.
What contaminants are in Inverness's water?
Lead was measured at 1.1 ppb (90th percentile). 193 violations are on record.
How is Inverness'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 Inverness?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Inverness's water come from?
Inverness's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 1,988 residents.
What health violations has Inverness's water system had?
Inverness has 5 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 35 violations remain unresolved.
Is Inverness's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Inverness 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 193 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 Inverness's water compare to other cities?
Inverness ranks #153 out of 320 cities in Mississippi (better than 52% of state cities) and #10087 out of 15744 cities nationally (36th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.