Is Pachuta, MS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
86/100
waterverge.com Pachuta, MS — Water Quality Report
Pachuta's drinking water received a grade of A- (86 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 685 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.3 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 126 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about Pachuta's water
Pachuta ranks #46 out of 320 cities in Mississippi for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Pachuta 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, Pachuta may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Pachuta, MS water safe to drink?
Pachuta's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (86/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 685 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Pachuta
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Pachuta's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86/100).
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.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Pachuta's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Pachuta's water system has 126 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Clarke County has experienced 10 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. Local water sources include Chickasawhay River.
Where does Pachuta's water come from?
Pachuta's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 685 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Chickasawhay River (river).
What Pachuta residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Pachuta'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.
Pachuta'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 Pachuta
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Pachuta, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ODOM INDUSTRIES INC PACHUTA, MS39347 | — | — | 0.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtClarke 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
Clarke County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2004. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Pachuta'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. | 0.3 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.90 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Pachuta compares by contaminant
Explore where Pachuta ranks among all Mississippi cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Pachuta's water comes from
Pachuta'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 private ownership and serves approximately 685 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Pachuta
Pachuta is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Pachuta
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LAKE EDDINS POA WTR & SWR INC | MS0310025 | 479 | GW |
| VILLAGE OF PACHUTA | MS0120006 | 206 | GW |
How Pachuta compares
Full Mississippi rankings →Pachuta's score of 86/100 is above the average of 54/100 among major Mississippi cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Mississippi rankings →About Pachuta, MS
Wikipedia →Pachuta is a town in Clarke County, Mississippi, United States. As of the 2020 census, Pachuta had a population of 207.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Pachuta's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Jasper
Frequently asked questions
Is Pachuta, MS tap water safe to drink?
Pachuta's water quality earned a grade of A- (86/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #46 out of 320 cities tested in Mississippi.
What contaminants are in Pachuta's water?
Lead was measured at 0.3 ppb (90th percentile). 126 violations are on record.
How is Pachuta'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 Pachuta?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Pachuta's water come from?
Pachuta's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 685 residents.
Is Pachuta's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Pachuta 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 126 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 Pachuta's water compare to other cities?
Pachuta ranks #46 out of 320 cities in Mississippi (better than 86% of state cities) and #5010 out of 15744 cities nationally (68th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.