Is Itta Bena, MS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
59.4/100
waterverge.com Itta Bena, MS — Water Quality Report
Itta Bena's drinking water received a grade of C- (59.4 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 5,394 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 4.2 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 346 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 28 remain unresolved.
What to know about Itta Bena's water
Itta Bena ranks #209 out of 320 cities in Mississippi for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Itta Bena 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 12 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Itta Bena, MS water safe to drink?
Itta Bena's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C- (59.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 5,394 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Itta Bena
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Itta Bena's water quality assessment. Grade: C- (59.4/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
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 Itta Bena's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Itta Bena's water system has 346 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 28 remain unresolved. 12 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Leflore 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. Local water sources include Quiver River Nr Doddsville, Quiver River Nr Sunflower.
Where does Itta Bena's water come from?
Itta Bena's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 5,394 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Quiver River Nr Doddsville (river), Quiver River Nr Sunflower (river).
What Itta Bena residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Itta Bena'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Itta Bena'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 Itta Bena
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Itta Bena, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORP GREENWOOD, MS38930 | — | — | 7.5 mi |
VIKING RANGE CORP-MAIN PLANT GREENWOOD, MS38930 | — | — | 9.2 mi |
OXBOW GREENWOOD LLC GREENWOOD, MS38930 | — | — | 7.0 mi |
HEARTLAND CATFISH ITTA BENA, MS38941 | — | — | 7.4 mi |
AMERICA'S CATCH INC ITTA BENA, MS38941 | — | — | 0.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtLeflore 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
Leflore 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Itta Bena's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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. | 4.2 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.71 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Itta Bena compares by contaminant
Explore where Itta Bena ranks among all Mississippi cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Itta Bena's water comes from
Itta Bena'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 5,394 people through 4 water systems.
Water bodies near Itta Bena
Itta Bena is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Itta Bena
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CITY OF ITTA BENA | MS0420002 | 2,930 | GW |
| MS VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY | MS0420003 | 2,250 | GW |
| AMERICAS CATCH THE FARM | MS0420045 | 114 | GW |
| BLUE LAKE WATER ASSN. INC | MS0420041 | 100 | GWP |
How Itta Bena compares
Full Mississippi rankings →Itta Bena's score of 59.4/100 is above the average of 54/100 among major Mississippi cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Mississippi rankings →About Itta Bena, MS
Wikipedia →Itta Bena is a city in Leflore County, Mississippi, United States. As of the 2020 census, Itta Bena had a population of 1,679. The town's name is derived from the Choctaw phrase iti bina, meaning "forest camp". Itta Bena is part of the Greenwood, Mississippi micropolitan area. It developed as a trading center of an area of cotton plantations.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Itta Bena's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Leflore
Frequently asked questions
Is Itta Bena, MS tap water safe to drink?
Itta Bena's water quality earned a grade of C- (59.4/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #209 out of 320 cities tested in Mississippi.
What contaminants are in Itta Bena's water?
Lead was measured at 4.2 ppb (90th percentile). 346 violations are on record.
How is Itta Bena'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 Itta Bena?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Itta Bena's water come from?
Itta Bena's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 5,394 residents.
What health violations has Itta Bena's water system had?
Itta Bena has 3 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. 28 violations remain unresolved.
Is Itta Bena's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Itta Bena 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 346 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 Itta Bena's water compare to other cities?
Itta Bena ranks #209 out of 320 cities in Mississippi (better than 35% of state cities) and #12180 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.