Is Noxapater, MS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 7 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
81.9/100
Noxapater, MS — Water Quality Report
Noxapater's drinking water received a grade of B+ (81.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 4,313 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 277 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Noxapater's water
Noxapater ranks #83 out of 320 cities in Mississippi for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Noxapater 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 Noxapater, MS water safe to drink?
Noxapater's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (81.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 4,313 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Noxapater
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Noxapater's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (81.9/100).
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.
Contaminants: Radium-228, Radium-226.
Contaminants: Radium-228, Radium-226, Combined Uranium.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Noxapater's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Noxapater's water system has 277 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Winston County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 2004. 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 Noxapater's water come from?
Noxapater's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 4,313 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Noxapater residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Noxapater'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.
Noxapater'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 Noxapater
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Noxapater, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 79 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
TAYLOR MACHINE WORKS INC. LOUISVILLE, MS39339 | Manganese | 79 | 9.9 mi |
WINSTON PLYWOOD & VENEER LLC LOUISVILLE, MS39339 | — | — | 7.7 mi |
WARING OIL CO LOUISVILLE, MS39339 | — | — | 9.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Noxapater
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- AMERICAN CREOSOTE WORKS INC LOUISVILLE8.1 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtWinston 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
Winston County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 2004. 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Noxapater compares by contaminant
Explore where Noxapater ranks among all Mississippi cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Noxapater's water comes from
Noxapater'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 4,313 people through 3 water systems.
Water systems serving Noxapater
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOWN OF NOXAPATER | MS0800006 | 1,713 | GW |
| LIBERTY-PLATTSBURG W/A #2 | MS0800019 | 1,412 | GW |
| SOUTHEAST NOXAPATER WATER ASSN | MS0800009 | 1,188 | GW |
How Noxapater compares
Full Mississippi rankings →Noxapater's score of 81.9/100 is above the average of 54/100 among major Mississippi cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Mississippi rankings →About Noxapater, MS
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Noxapater's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Winston
Frequently asked questions
Is Noxapater, MS tap water safe to drink?
Noxapater's water quality earned a grade of B+ (81.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #83 out of 320 cities tested in Mississippi.
What contaminants are in Noxapater's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 277 violations are on record.
How is Noxapater'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 Noxapater?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Noxapater's water come from?
Noxapater's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 4,313 residents.
What health violations has Noxapater's water system had?
Noxapater has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2012. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 7 violations remain unresolved.
Is Noxapater's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Noxapater 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 277 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 Noxapater's water compare to other cities?
Noxapater ranks #83 out of 320 cities in Mississippi (better than 74% of state cities) and #7244 out of 15744 cities nationally (54th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.