Is New Hebron, MS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+ — but Lead was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
69.9/100
New Hebron, MS — Water Quality Report
New Hebron's drinking water received a grade of C+ (69.9 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,586 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 26.9 ppb (90th percentile), which exceeds the EPA action level of 15 ppb. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 203 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about New Hebron's water
New Hebron ranks #166 out of 320 cities in Mississippi for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
New Hebron 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.
Lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb, which typically indicates aging lead service lines or lead solder in the distribution system. An NSF 53-certified filter is strongly recommended for drinking and cooking water.
As a small community water system, New Hebron may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is New Hebron, MS water safe to drink?
New Hebron's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (69.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,586 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for New Hebron
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into New Hebron's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (69.9/100).
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
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: Radium-226, Radium-228.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for New Hebron's water supply.
Exceeds EPA action level. Lead service line replacement and point-of-use filtration recommended.
Violation history
New Hebron's water system has 203 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 7 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Lawrence 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 Strong River Nr Rockport, Ms..
Where does New Hebron's water come from?
New Hebron's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 2,586 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Strong River Nr Rockport, Ms. (river).
What New Hebron residents can do
Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in New Hebron'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
New Hebron'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 droughtLawrence 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
Lawrence 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in New Hebron's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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. | 26.9 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how New Hebron compares by contaminant
Explore where New Hebron ranks among all Mississippi cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where New Hebron's water comes from
New Hebron'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 2,586 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near New Hebron
New Hebron is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving New Hebron
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CROOKED CREEK W/A - NORTH | MS0390007 | 1,100 | GW |
| CROOKED CREEK W/A - SOUTH | MS0390008 | 1,100 | GW |
| TOWN OF NEW HEBRON | MS0390004 | 386 | GW |
How New Hebron compares
Full Mississippi rankings →New Hebron's score of 69.9/100 is above the average of 54/100 among major Mississippi cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Mississippi rankings →About New Hebron, MS
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to New Hebron's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Lawrence
Frequently asked questions
Is New Hebron, MS tap water safe to drink?
New Hebron's water quality earned a grade of C+ (69.9/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #166 out of 320 cities tested in Mississippi.
What contaminants are in New Hebron's water?
Lead was measured at 26.9 ppb (90th percentile). 203 violations are on record.
How is New Hebron'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 Hebron?
Yes — lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb. We recommend an NSF 53-certified filter or reverse osmosis system. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does New Hebron's water come from?
New Hebron's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 2,586 residents.
What health violations has New Hebron's water system had?
New Hebron has 1 health-based violation 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. 7 violations remain unresolved.
Is New Hebron's groundwater at risk of contamination?
New Hebron 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 203 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 Hebron's water compare to other cities?
New Hebron ranks #166 out of 320 cities in Mississippi (better than 48% of state cities) and #10836 out of 15744 cities nationally (31th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.