Is Myrtle, MS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 8 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
80.1/100
waterverge.com Myrtle, MS — Water Quality Report
Myrtle's drinking water received a grade of B+ (80.1 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,753 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.8 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 290 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved.
What to know about Myrtle's water
Myrtle ranks #98 out of 320 cities in Mississippi for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Myrtle 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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Myrtle, MS water safe to drink?
Myrtle's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (80.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,753 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Myrtle
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Myrtle's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (80.1/100).
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
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: Chlorine.
Contaminants: Combined Uranium, Radium-226, Radium-228.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Myrtle's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Myrtle's water system has 290 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Union County has experienced 4 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. Local water sources include Little Tallahatchie River.
Where does Myrtle's water come from?
Myrtle's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 3,753 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Little Tallahatchie River (river).
What Myrtle residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Myrtle'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.
Myrtle'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 Myrtle
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Myrtle, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 0 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
METAL IMPACT SOUTH NEW ALBANY, MS38652 | Lead | 0 | 7.0 mi |
DUNN UTILITY PRODUCTS - NEW ALBANY NEW ALBANY, MS38652 | Lead | 0 | 5.6 mi |
MASTER-BILT PRODUCTS NEW ALBANY, MS38652 | — | — | 7.9 mi |
DELEK US NEW ALBANY NEW ALBANY, MS38652 | — | — | 8.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtUnion County is currently in D2 (severe 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
Union County has experienced 4 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. | 0.8 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Myrtle compares by contaminant
Explore where Myrtle ranks among all Mississippi cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Myrtle's water comes from
Myrtle'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 3,753 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Myrtle
Myrtle is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Myrtle
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOWN OF MYRTLE | MS0730005 | 2,037 | GW |
| HWY 30 WEST WATER ASSOCIATION | MS0730025 | 1,716 | GW |
How Myrtle compares
Full Mississippi rankings →Myrtle's score of 80.1/100 is above the average of 54/100 among major Mississippi cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Mississippi rankings →About Myrtle, MS
Wikipedia →Myrtle is a town in Union County, Mississippi, United States. As of the 2020 census, Myrtle had a population of 484.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Myrtle's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Union
Frequently asked questions
Is Myrtle, MS tap water safe to drink?
Myrtle's water quality earned a grade of B+ (80.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #98 out of 320 cities tested in Mississippi.
What contaminants are in Myrtle's water?
Lead was measured at 0.8 ppb (90th percentile). 290 violations are on record.
How is Myrtle'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 Myrtle?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Myrtle's water come from?
Myrtle's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 3,753 residents.
Is Myrtle's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Myrtle 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 290 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 Myrtle's water compare to other cities?
Myrtle ranks #98 out of 320 cities in Mississippi (better than 69% of state cities) and #8006 out of 15744 cities nationally (49th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.