Is Paulding, MS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
80.9/100
waterverge.com Paulding, MS — Water Quality Report
Paulding's drinking water received a grade of B+ (80.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,363 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.4 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 224 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Paulding's water
Paulding ranks #90 out of 320 cities in Mississippi for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Paulding 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, Paulding may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Paulding, MS water safe to drink?
Paulding's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (80.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,363 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Paulding
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Paulding's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (80.9/100).
Contaminants: TTHM, 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: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Nitrate-Nitrite, Nitrate, Nitrite.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Paulding's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Paulding's water system has 224 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Jasper County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1979. 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.
Where does Paulding's water come from?
Paulding's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,363 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 (river).
What Paulding residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Paulding'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.
Paulding'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
D2 — severe droughtJasper 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
Jasper County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1979. 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. | 3.4 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Paulding compares by contaminant
Explore where Paulding ranks among all Mississippi cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Paulding's water comes from
Paulding'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 1,363 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Paulding
Paulding is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Paulding
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PAULDING WATER ASSOCIATION | MS0310009 | 1,363 | GW |
How Paulding compares
Full Mississippi rankings →Paulding's score of 80.9/100 is above the average of 54/100 among major Mississippi cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Mississippi rankings →About Paulding, MS
Wikipedia →Paulding is an unincorporated community in and one of the two county seats of Jasper County, Mississippi. It is the only unincorporated county seat in Mississippi. Settled in 1833, it was named by United States settlers in honor of Revolutionary War hero John Paulding. After its citizens refused to contribute to a new railroad, the community was bypassed in favor of Bay Springs, Mississippi, which was designated a railroad stop to the west and the second county seat. It attracted more development and industry.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Paulding's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Jasper
Frequently asked questions
Is Paulding, MS tap water safe to drink?
Paulding's water quality earned a grade of B+ (80.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #90 out of 320 cities tested in Mississippi.
What contaminants are in Paulding's water?
Lead was measured at 3.4 ppb (90th percentile). 224 violations are on record.
How is Paulding'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 Paulding?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Paulding's water come from?
Paulding's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,363 residents.
What health violations has Paulding's water system had?
Paulding has 2 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. 4 violations remain unresolved.
Is Paulding's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Paulding 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 224 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 Paulding's water compare to other cities?
Paulding ranks #90 out of 320 cities in Mississippi (better than 72% of state cities) and #7675 out of 15744 cities nationally (51th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Paulding's small water system affect quality?
Paulding's system serves approximately 1,363 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 224 violations on record.