Is Mt Olive, MS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 14 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
76.2/100
waterverge.com Mt Olive, MS — Water Quality Report
Mt Olive's drinking water received a grade of B (76.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,619 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.0 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 180 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 14 remain unresolved.
What to know about Mt Olive's water
Mt Olive ranks #135 out of 320 cities in Mississippi for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Mt Olive 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 6 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Mt Olive, MS water safe to drink?
Mt Olive's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (76.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,619 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Mt Olive
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Mt Olive's water quality assessment. Grade: B (76.2/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
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 Mt Olive's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Mt Olive's water system has 180 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 14 remain unresolved. 6 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Covington County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2005. 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 Mt Olive's water come from?
Mt Olive's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 3,619 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Mt Olive residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Mt Olive'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.
Mt Olive'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
D1 — moderate droughtCovington 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
Covington County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2005. 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. | 2.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Mt Olive compares by contaminant
Explore where Mt Olive ranks among all Mississippi cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Mt Olive's water comes from
Mt Olive'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 3,619 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Mt Olive
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEW HOPE WATER ASSOCIATION | MS0640008 | 2,587 | GW |
| TOWN OF MOUNT OLIVE | MS0160003 | 1,032 | GW |
How Mt Olive compares
Full Mississippi rankings →Mt Olive's score of 76.2/100 is above the average of 54/100 among major Mississippi cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Mississippi rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Mt Olive's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Simpson
Frequently asked questions
Is Mt Olive, MS tap water safe to drink?
Mt Olive's water quality earned a grade of B (76.2/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #135 out of 320 cities tested in Mississippi.
What contaminants are in Mt Olive's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 180 violations are on record.
How is Mt Olive'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 Mt Olive?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Mt Olive's water come from?
Mt Olive's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 3,619 residents.
What health violations has Mt Olive's water system had?
Mt Olive has 6 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 14 violations remain unresolved.
Is Mt Olive's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Mt Olive 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 180 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 Mt Olive's water compare to other cities?
Mt Olive ranks #135 out of 320 cities in Mississippi (better than 58% of state cities) and #9369 out of 15744 cities nationally (41th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.