Is Mound Bayou, MS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 15 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
72.5/100
waterverge.com Mound Bayou, MS — Water Quality Report
Mound Bayou's drinking water received a grade of B- (72.5 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,711 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.2 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 182 violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 15 remain unresolved.
What to know about Mound Bayou's water
Mound Bayou ranks #160 out of 320 cities in Mississippi for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Mound Bayou 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, Mound Bayou may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 10 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Mound Bayou, MS water safe to drink?
Mound Bayou's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (72.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,711 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Mound Bayou
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Mound Bayou's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (72.5/100).
Contaminants: Chlorine, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
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 Mound Bayou's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Mound Bayou's water system has 182 total violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 15 remain unresolved. 10 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Bolivar County has experienced 9 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 Nr Merigold.
Where does Mound Bayou's water come from?
Mound Bayou's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,711 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 Nr Merigold (river).
What Mound Bayou residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Mound Bayou'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.
Mound Bayou'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 Mound Bayou
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Mound Bayou, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 37 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
BAXTER HEALTHCARE CORP. CLEVELAND, MS38732 | Chlorine | 37 | 8.2 mi |
MMC MATERIALS INC - CLEVELAND CLEVELAND, MS38732 | Lead | 0 | 9.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtBolivar 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
Bolivar County has experienced 9 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. | 2.2 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Mound Bayou compares by contaminant
Explore where Mound Bayou ranks among all Mississippi cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Mound Bayou's water comes from
Mound Bayou'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 1,711 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Mound Bayou
Mound Bayou is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Mound Bayou
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CITY OF MOUND BAYOU | MS0060013 | 1,711 | GW |
How Mound Bayou compares
Full Mississippi rankings →Mound Bayou's score of 72.5/100 is above the average of 54/100 among major Mississippi cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Mississippi rankings →About Mound Bayou, MS
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Mound Bayou's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Bolivar
Frequently asked questions
Is Mound Bayou, MS tap water safe to drink?
Mound Bayou's water quality earned a grade of B- (72.5/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #160 out of 320 cities tested in Mississippi.
What contaminants are in Mound Bayou's water?
Lead was measured at 2.2 ppb (90th percentile). 182 violations are on record.
How is Mound Bayou'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 Mound Bayou?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Mound Bayou's water come from?
Mound Bayou's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,711 residents.
What health violations has Mound Bayou's water system had?
Mound Bayou has 7 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 15 violations remain unresolved.
Is Mound Bayou's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Mound Bayou 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 182 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 Mound Bayou's water compare to other cities?
Mound Bayou ranks #160 out of 320 cities in Mississippi (better than 50% of state cities) and #10308 out of 15744 cities nationally (35th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Mound Bayou's small water system affect quality?
Mound Bayou's system serves approximately 1,711 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 182 violations on record.