Is Metcalfe, MS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C, with 17 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
62/100
waterverge.com Metcalfe, MS — Water Quality Report
Metcalfe's drinking water received a grade of C (62 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,125 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.6 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 196 violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 17 remain unresolved.
What to know about Metcalfe's water
Metcalfe ranks #200 out of 320 cities in Mississippi for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Metcalfe 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.
As a small community water system, Metcalfe may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 21 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Metcalfe, MS water safe to drink?
Metcalfe's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C (62/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,125 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Metcalfe
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Metcalfe's water quality assessment. Grade: C (62/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
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 Metcalfe's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Metcalfe's water system has 196 total violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 17 remain unresolved. 21 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Washington County has experienced 10 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 Metcalfe's water come from?
Metcalfe's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,125 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Metcalfe residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Metcalfe'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.
Metcalfe'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 Metcalfe
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Metcalfe, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
SCOTT BIODIESEL/GREENVILLE TERMINAL GREENVILLE, MS38701 | — | — | 3.3 mi |
USG INTERIORS GREENVILLE, MS38701 | — | — | 3.4 mi |
PLATTE CHEMICAL CO GREENVILLE, MS38704 | — | — | 4.5 mi |
MMC MATERIALS INC - GREENVILLE GREENVILLE, MS38703 | — | — | 4.3 mi |
NUFARM AMERICAS INC - GREENVILLE GREENVILLE, MS38703 | — | — | 1.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtWashington 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
Washington County has experienced 10 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. | 0.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Metcalfe compares by contaminant
Explore where Metcalfe ranks among all Mississippi cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Metcalfe's water comes from
Metcalfe'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 1,125 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Metcalfe
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOWN OF METCALFE | MS0760007 | 1,125 | GW |
How Metcalfe compares
Full Mississippi rankings →Metcalfe's score of 62/100 is above the average of 54/100 among major Mississippi cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Mississippi rankings →About Metcalfe, MS
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Metcalfe's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Washington
Frequently asked questions
Is Metcalfe, MS tap water safe to drink?
Metcalfe's water quality earned a grade of C (62/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #200 out of 320 cities tested in Mississippi.
What contaminants are in Metcalfe's water?
Lead was measured at 0.6 ppb (90th percentile). 196 violations are on record.
How is Metcalfe'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 Metcalfe?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Metcalfe's water come from?
Metcalfe's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,125 residents.
What health violations has Metcalfe's water system had?
Metcalfe has 7 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 17 violations remain unresolved.
Is Metcalfe's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Metcalfe 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 196 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 Metcalfe's water compare to other cities?
Metcalfe ranks #200 out of 320 cities in Mississippi (better than 38% of state cities) and #11932 out of 15744 cities nationally (24th percentile). The grade of C reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Metcalfe's small water system affect quality?
Metcalfe's system serves approximately 1,125 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 196 violations on record.