Is Monticello, MS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C, with 11 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
64.5/100
waterverge.com Monticello, MS — Water Quality Report
Monticello's drinking water received a grade of C (64.5 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 4,984 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 448 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved.
What to know about Monticello's water
Monticello ranks #192 out of 320 cities in Mississippi for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Monticello 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 13 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Monticello, MS water safe to drink?
Monticello's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C (64.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 4,984 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Monticello
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Monticello's water quality assessment. Grade: C (64.5/100).
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4626). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
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 Monticello's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Monticello's water system has 448 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved. 13 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Lawrence County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2008. 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 Pearl River Nr Monticello, Whitesand Creek Nr Oakvale.
Where does Monticello's water come from?
Monticello's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 4,984 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Pearl River Nr Monticello (river), Whitesand Creek Nr Oakvale (river).
What Monticello residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Monticello'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.
Monticello'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 Monticello
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Monticello, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 238,785 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
GEORGIA-PACIFIC MONTICELLO LLC MONTICELLO, MS39654 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 238,785 | 4.9 mi |
HOOD INDUSTRIES INC. SILVER CREEK, MS39663 | — | — | 3.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtLawrence County is currently in D1 (moderate 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
Lawrence County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2008. 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Monticello compares by contaminant
Explore where Monticello ranks among all Mississippi cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Monticello's water comes from
Monticello'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 4,984 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Monticello
Monticello is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Monticello
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LAWRENCE COUNTY WATER ASSN | MS0390002 | 2,100 | GW |
| SONTAG-WANILLA | MS0390006 | 1,484 | GW |
| TOWN OF MONTICELLO | MS0390003 | 1,400 | GW |
How Monticello compares
Full Mississippi rankings →Monticello's score of 64.5/100 is above the average of 54/100 among major Mississippi cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Mississippi rankings →About Monticello, MS
Wikipedia →Monticello is a town in and the county seat of Lawrence County, Mississippi, United States. As of the 2020 census, Monticello had a population of 1,441.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Monticello's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Lawrence
Frequently asked questions
Is Monticello, MS tap water safe to drink?
Monticello's water quality earned a grade of C (64.5/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #192 out of 320 cities tested in Mississippi.
What contaminants are in Monticello's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 448 violations are on record.
How is Monticello'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 Monticello?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Monticello's water come from?
Monticello's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 4,984 residents.
What health violations has Monticello's water system had?
Monticello has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 11 violations remain unresolved.
Is Monticello's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Monticello 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 448 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 Monticello's water compare to other cities?
Monticello ranks #192 out of 320 cities in Mississippi (better than 40% of state cities) and #11648 out of 15744 cities nationally (26th percentile). The grade of C reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.