Is Moorhead, MS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 6 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
83.8/100
waterverge.com Moorhead, MS — Water Quality Report
Moorhead's drinking water received a grade of B+ (83.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,301 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 224 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about Moorhead's water
Moorhead ranks #65 out of 320 cities in Mississippi for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Moorhead 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, Moorhead may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Moorhead, MS water safe to drink?
Moorhead's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (83.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,301 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Moorhead
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Moorhead's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (83.8/100).
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.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Combined Uranium, Radium-228, Radium-226.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Moorhead's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Moorhead's water system has 224 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Sunflower 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 Big Sunflower River, Quiver River Nr Sunflower.
Where does Moorhead's water come from?
Moorhead's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,301 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Big Sunflower River (river), Quiver River Nr Sunflower (river).
What Moorhead residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Moorhead'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.
Moorhead'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 Moorhead
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Moorhead, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
GRESHAM PETROLEUM CO INDIANOLA, MS38751 | — | — | 8.0 mi |
HEARTLAND CATFISH ITTA BENA, MS38941 | — | — | 3.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtSunflower 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
Sunflower 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.
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 Moorhead compares by contaminant
Explore where Moorhead ranks among all Mississippi cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Moorhead's water comes from
Moorhead'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 2,301 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Moorhead
Moorhead is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Moorhead
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOWN OF MOORHEAD | MS0670008 | 2,301 | GW |
How Moorhead compares
Full Mississippi rankings →Moorhead's score of 83.8/100 is above the average of 54/100 among major Mississippi cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Mississippi rankings →About Moorhead, MS
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Moorhead's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Sunflower
Frequently asked questions
Is Moorhead, MS tap water safe to drink?
Moorhead's water quality earned a grade of B+ (83.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #65 out of 320 cities tested in Mississippi.
What contaminants are in Moorhead's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 224 violations are on record.
How is Moorhead'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 Moorhead?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Moorhead's water come from?
Moorhead's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,301 residents.
Is Moorhead's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Moorhead 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 224 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 Moorhead's water compare to other cities?
Moorhead ranks #65 out of 320 cities in Mississippi (better than 80% of state cities) and #6266 out of 15744 cities nationally (60th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Moorhead's small water system affect quality?
Moorhead's system serves approximately 2,301 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 224 violations on record.