Is Potts Camp, MS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 13 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
75.4/100
Potts Camp, MS — Water Quality Report
Potts Camp's drinking water received a grade of B (75.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,475 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 166 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 13 remain unresolved.
What to know about Potts Camp's water
Potts Camp ranks #142 out of 320 cities in Mississippi for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Potts Camp 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, Potts Camp may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 6 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Potts Camp, MS water safe to drink?
Potts Camp's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (75.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,475 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Potts Camp
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Potts Camp's water quality assessment. Grade: B (75.4/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
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.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Potts Camp's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Potts Camp's water system has 166 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 13 remain unresolved. 6 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Marshall County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 2005. 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 Potts Camp's water come from?
Potts Camp's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,475 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Potts Camp residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Potts Camp'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.
Potts Camp'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 droughtBenton 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
Marshall County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 2005. 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 Potts Camp compares by contaminant
Explore where Potts Camp ranks among all Mississippi cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Potts Camp's water comes from
Potts Camp'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 1,475 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Potts Camp
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOWN OF POTTS CAMP | MS0470004 | 1,085 | GW |
| TOWN OF POTTS CAMP #2 | MS0050019 | 390 | GW |
How Potts Camp compares
Full Mississippi rankings →Potts Camp's score of 75.4/100 is above the average of 54/100 among major Mississippi cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Mississippi rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Potts Camp's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Marshall
Frequently asked questions
Is Potts Camp, MS tap water safe to drink?
Potts Camp's water quality earned a grade of B (75.4/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #142 out of 320 cities tested in Mississippi.
What contaminants are in Potts Camp's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 166 violations are on record.
How is Potts Camp'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 Potts Camp?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Potts Camp's water come from?
Potts Camp's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,475 residents.
What health violations has Potts Camp's water system had?
Potts Camp has 5 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 13 violations remain unresolved.
Is Potts Camp's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Potts Camp 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 166 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 Potts Camp's water compare to other cities?
Potts Camp ranks #142 out of 320 cities in Mississippi (better than 56% of state cities) and #9595 out of 15744 cities nationally (39th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.