Is Mclain, MS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 28 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
49/100
waterverge.com Mclain, MS — Water Quality Report
Mclain's drinking water received a grade of D (49 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,554 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 5.2 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 499 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 28 remain unresolved.
What to know about Mclain's water
Mclain ranks #296 out of 320 cities in Mississippi for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Mclain 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Mclain may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 16 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Mclain, MS water safe to drink?
Mclain's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (49/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,554 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Mclain
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Mclain's water quality assessment. Grade: D (49/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
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 Mclain's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Mclain's water system has 499 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 28 remain unresolved. 16 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Greene County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2012. 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 Leaf River Nr Mclain, Pascagoula River.
Where does Mclain's water come from?
Mclain's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 1,554 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Leaf River Nr Mclain (river), Pascagoula River (river).
What Mclain residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Mclain'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.
Mclain'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 droughtGreene 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
Greene County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2012. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Mclain'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. | 5.2 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Mclain compares by contaminant
Explore where Mclain ranks among all Mississippi cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Mclain's water comes from
Mclain'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 1,554 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Mclain
Mclain is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Mclain
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LITTLE CREEK WATER ASSOCIATION | MS0560015 | 654 | GW |
| LEAF WATER ASSOCIATION-SOUTH | MS0210006 | 459 | GW |
| TOWN OF MCLAIN | MS0210003 | 441 | GW |
How Mclain compares
Full Mississippi rankings →Mclain's score of 49/100 is on par with the average of 54/100 among major Mississippi cities. It outscores 3 of 10 nearby cities. 7 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Mississippi rankings →About Mclain, MS
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Mclain's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Perry
Frequently asked questions
Is Mclain, MS tap water safe to drink?
Mclain's water quality earned a grade of D (49/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #296 out of 320 cities tested in Mississippi.
What contaminants are in Mclain's water?
Lead was measured at 5.2 ppb (90th percentile). 499 violations are on record.
How is Mclain'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 Mclain?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Mclain's water come from?
Mclain's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 1,554 residents.
What health violations has Mclain's water system had?
Mclain has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 28 violations remain unresolved.
Is Mclain's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Mclain 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 499 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 Mclain's water compare to other cities?
Mclain ranks #296 out of 320 cities in Mississippi (better than 7% of state cities) and #13360 out of 15744 cities nationally (15th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.