Is New Augusta, MS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
82.3/100
waterverge.com New Augusta, MS — Water Quality Report
New Augusta's drinking water received a grade of B+ (82.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 570 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.4 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 95 violations on record, including 16 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about New Augusta's water
New Augusta ranks #81 out of 320 cities in Mississippi for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
New Augusta 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, New Augusta may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is New Augusta, MS water safe to drink?
New Augusta's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (82.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 570 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for New Augusta
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into New Augusta's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (82.3/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: 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.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for New Augusta's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
New Augusta's water system has 95 total violations on record, including 16 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Perry 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 Tallahala Creek Nr Runnelstown, Leaf River Nr New Augusta.
Where does New Augusta's water come from?
New Augusta's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 570 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Tallahala Creek Nr Runnelstown (river), Leaf River Nr New Augusta (river).
What New Augusta residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in New Augusta'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.
New Augusta'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 New Augusta
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near New Augusta, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 82,088 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
GEORGIA PACIFIC LEAF RIVER CELLULOSE LLC NEW AUGUSTA, MS39462 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 82,088 | 3.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtPerry 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
Perry 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. | 2.4 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how New Augusta compares by contaminant
Explore where New Augusta ranks among all Mississippi cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where New Augusta's water comes from
New Augusta'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 570 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near New Augusta
New Augusta is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving New Augusta
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOWN OF NEW AUGUSTA | MS0560002 | 570 | GW |
How New Augusta compares
Full Mississippi rankings →New Augusta's score of 82.3/100 is above the average of 54/100 among major Mississippi cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Mississippi rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to New Augusta's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Perry
Frequently asked questions
Is New Augusta, MS tap water safe to drink?
New Augusta's water quality earned a grade of B+ (82.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #81 out of 320 cities tested in Mississippi.
What contaminants are in New Augusta's water?
Lead was measured at 2.4 ppb (90th percentile). 95 violations are on record.
How is New Augusta'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 New Augusta?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does New Augusta's water come from?
New Augusta's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 570 residents.
What health violations has New Augusta's water system had?
New Augusta has 16 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. 5 violations remain unresolved.
Is New Augusta's groundwater at risk of contamination?
New Augusta 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 95 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 New Augusta's water compare to other cities?
New Augusta ranks #81 out of 320 cities in Mississippi (better than 75% of state cities) and #7067 out of 15744 cities nationally (55th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does New Augusta's small water system affect quality?
New Augusta's system serves approximately 570 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 95 violations on record.