Is Lexington, MS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 49 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
51.5/100
waterverge.com Lexington, MS — Water Quality Report
Lexington's drinking water received a grade of D+ (51.5 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 10 water systems serve approximately 9,622 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.5 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 1149 violations on record, including 19 health-based violations. 49 remain unresolved.
What to know about Lexington's water
Lexington ranks #252 out of 320 cities in Mississippi for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Lexington 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 39 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Lexington, MS water safe to drink?
Lexington's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (51.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 10 water systems serve approximately 9,622 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Lexington
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Lexington's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (51.5/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
3 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, Revised Total Coliform Rule, 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 Lexington's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Lexington's water system has 1,149 total violations on record, including 19 health-based violations. 49 remain unresolved. 39 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Holmes County has experienced 8 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 Black Creek.
Where does Lexington's water come from?
Lexington's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 10 water systems serving approximately 9,622 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Black Creek (river).
What Lexington residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Lexington'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.
Lexington'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
D3 — extreme droughtHolmes 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
Holmes County has experienced 8 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. | 3.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Lexington compares by contaminant
Explore where Lexington ranks among all Mississippi cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Lexington's water comes from
Lexington'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 9,622 people through 10 water systems.
Water bodies near Lexington
Lexington is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Lexington
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LEBANON W/A-WEST | MS0260011 | 1,742 | GW |
| SWEET HOME WATER & SEWER DIST | MS0260015 | 1,695 | GW |
| CITY OF LEXINGTON | MS0260012 | 1,600 | GW |
| ACONA WATER ASSOCIATION #1 | MS0260001 | 1,373 | GW |
| HARLAND CREEK COMMUNITY W/A-B | MS0260022 | 1,177 | GW |
| EBENEZER RURAL WATER ASSN | MS0260007 | 765 | GW |
| SOUTH HOLMES W/A #1 | MS0260014 | 500 | GW |
| HOLMES INTERSTATE UTILITY DIST | MS0260040 | 341 | GW |
| WEST HILL WATER ASSOCIATION | MS0260018 | 300 | GWP |
| HARLAND CREEK W/A-HORSESHOE LK | MS0260043 | 129 | GWP |
How Lexington compares
Full Mississippi rankings →Lexington's score of 51.5/100 is on par with the average of 54/100 among major Mississippi cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Mississippi rankings →About Lexington, MS
Wikipedia →Lexington is a city in and the county seat of Holmes County, Mississippi, United States. The county was organized in 1833 and the city in 1836. As of the 2020 census, Lexington had a population of 1,602. It has declined from its high of 3,198 in 1950 due to the expansion of industrial-scale agriculture.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Lexington's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Holmes
Frequently asked questions
Is Lexington, MS tap water safe to drink?
Lexington's water quality earned a grade of D+ (51.5/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #252 out of 320 cities tested in Mississippi.
What contaminants are in Lexington's water?
Lead was measured at 3.5 ppb (90th percentile). 1149 violations are on record.
How is Lexington'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 Lexington?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Lexington's water come from?
Lexington's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 10 water systems serving approximately 9,622 residents.
What health violations has Lexington's water system had?
Lexington has 19 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in May 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 49 violations remain unresolved.
Is Lexington's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Lexington 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 1149 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 Lexington's water compare to other cities?
Lexington ranks #252 out of 320 cities in Mississippi (better than 21% of state cities) and #12867 out of 15744 cities nationally (18th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.