Is Scooba, MS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
84/100
waterverge.com Scooba, MS — Water Quality Report
Scooba's drinking water received a grade of B+ (84 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 744 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.9 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. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Scooba's water
Scooba ranks #59 out of 320 cities in Mississippi for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Scooba 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, Scooba may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Scooba, MS water safe to drink?
Scooba's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of B+ (84/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 744 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Scooba
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Scooba's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (84/100).
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
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: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Scooba's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Scooba's water system has 224 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Kemper County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1974. 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 Sucarnoochee River Nr Porterville.
Where does Scooba's water come from?
Scooba's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 744 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Sucarnoochee River Nr Porterville (river).
What Scooba residents can do
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.
Scooba'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 Scooba
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Scooba, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 2 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
STELLA-JONES CORP SCOOBA, MS39358 | Pentachlorophenol | 2 | 7.1 mi |
BRAINERD CHEMICAL SOUTHEAST LLC SCOOBA, MS39358 | — | — | 3.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtKemper 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
Kemper County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1974. 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. | 0.9 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Scooba compares by contaminant
Explore where Scooba ranks among all Mississippi cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Scooba's water comes from
Scooba'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 744 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Scooba
Scooba is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Scooba
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOWN OF SCOOBA | MS0350004 | 744 | GW |
How Scooba compares
Full Mississippi rankings →Scooba's score of 84/100 is above the average of 54/100 among major Mississippi cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Mississippi rankings →About Scooba, MS
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Scooba's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Kemper
Frequently asked questions
Is Scooba, MS tap water safe to drink?
Scooba's water quality earned a grade of B+ (84/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #59 out of 320 cities tested in Mississippi.
What contaminants are in Scooba's water?
Lead was measured at 0.9 ppb (90th percentile). 224 violations are on record.
How is Scooba'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 Scooba?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Scooba's water come from?
Scooba's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 744 residents.
What health violations has Scooba's water system had?
Scooba 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. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is Scooba's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Scooba 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 Scooba's water compare to other cities?
Scooba ranks #59 out of 320 cities in Mississippi (better than 82% of state cities) and #6164 out of 15744 cities nationally (61th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Scooba's small water system affect quality?
Scooba's system serves approximately 744 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.