Is Pearlington, MS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 7 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
87.5/100
waterverge.com Pearlington, MS — Water Quality Report
Pearlington's drinking water received a grade of A- (87.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,437 residents using purchased ground water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.6 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 66 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Pearlington's water
Pearlington ranks #31 out of 320 cities in Mississippi for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Pearlington purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
As a small community water system, Pearlington may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Pearlington, MS water safe to drink?
Pearlington's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (87.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,437 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Pearlington
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Pearlington's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87.5/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
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.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Pearlington's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Pearlington's water system has 66 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Hancock County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2012. 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 Pearl River At Pearl River, Pearl River At I-10 Near Slidell, East Pearl River.
Where does Pearlington's water come from?
Pearlington's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,437 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Pearl River At Pearl River (river), Pearl River At I-10 Near Slidell (river), East Pearl River (river).
What Pearlington residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Pearlington'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.
Pearlington'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 Pearlington
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Pearlington, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 4,900 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
POLYCHEMIE INC PEARLINGTON, MS39572 | Ammonia | 4,900 | 2.9 mi |
CALGON CARBON CORP - PEARL RIVER PLANT BAY SAINT LOUIS, MS39520 | — | — | 3.0 mi |
ALPEK POLYESTER MISSISSIPPI INC BAY SAINT LOUIS, MS39520 | — | — | 3.1 mi |
SABIC INNOVATIVE PLASTICS US LLC BAY SAINT LOUIS, MS39520 | — | — | 2.7 mi |
US NAVY - NAVAL SPECIAL WARFARE SMALL ARMS RANGE STENNIS SPACE CENTER, MS39529 | — | — | 8.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtHancock 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
Hancock County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2012. 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. | 1.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Pearlington compares by contaminant
Explore where Pearlington ranks among all Mississippi cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Pearlington's water comes from
Pearlington purchases its water supply from a regional wholesale provider rather than treating raw water directly.
Water quality depends on both the wholesaler's treatment standards and the condition of Pearlington's local distribution pipes and storage facilities.
Purchased water systems are common in suburban areas and smaller communities that lack the infrastructure for independent treatment.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 1,437 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Pearlington
Pearlington is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Pearlington
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PEARLINGTON WATER AND SEWER DISTRICT | MS0230067 | 1,412 | GWP |
| SUNRISE MOBILE HOME PARK | MS0230057 | 25 | GW |
How Pearlington compares
Full Mississippi rankings →Pearlington's score of 87.5/100 is above the average of 54/100 among major Mississippi cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Mississippi rankings →About Pearlington, MS
Wikipedia →Pearlington is a census-designated place (CDP) in Hancock County, Mississippi, United States, on U.S. Route 90, along the Pearl River, at the Louisiana state line. It is part of the Gulfport–Biloxi, Mississippi Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 1,684 at the 2000 census. On August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina made landfall just south of Pearlington.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Pearlington's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Hancock
Frequently asked questions
Is Pearlington, MS tap water safe to drink?
Pearlington's water quality earned a grade of A- (87.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #31 out of 320 cities tested in Mississippi.
What contaminants are in Pearlington's water?
Lead was measured at 1.6 ppb (90th percentile). 66 violations are on record.
How is Pearlington'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 Pearlington?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Pearlington's water come from?
Pearlington's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,437 residents.
Is Pearlington's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Pearlington 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 66 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 Pearlington's water compare to other cities?
Pearlington ranks #31 out of 320 cities in Mississippi (better than 90% of state cities) and #4028 out of 15744 cities nationally (74th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.