Is Shaw, MS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 9 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
84.5/100
waterverge.com Shaw, MS — Water Quality Report
Shaw's drinking water received a grade of B+ (84.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,639 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.7 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 116 violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved.
What to know about Shaw's water
Shaw ranks #57 out of 320 cities in Mississippi for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Shaw 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, Shaw may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Shaw, MS water safe to drink?
Shaw's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (84.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,639 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Shaw
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Shaw's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (84.5/100).
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: CYANIDE.
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 Shaw's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Shaw's water system has 116 total violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Bolivar County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 1991. 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 Porter Bayou, Bogue Phalia Nr Skene, Bogue Phalia.
Where does Shaw's water come from?
Shaw's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,639 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Porter Bayou (river), Bogue Phalia Nr Skene (river), Bogue Phalia (river).
What Shaw residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Shaw'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.
Shaw'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 Shaw
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Shaw, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
QUALITY STEEL CORP CLEVELAND, MS38732 | — | — | 7.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtBolivar 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
Bolivar County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 1991. 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. | 0.7 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Shaw compares by contaminant
Explore where Shaw ranks among all Mississippi cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Shaw's water comes from
Shaw'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 1,639 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Shaw
Shaw is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Shaw
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOWN OF SHAW | MS0060018 | 1,639 | GW |
How Shaw compares
Full Mississippi rankings →Shaw's score of 84.5/100 is above the average of 54/100 among major Mississippi cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Mississippi rankings →About Shaw, MS
Wikipedia →Shaw is a city in Bolivar and Sunflower counties, Mississippi, United States, located in the Mississippi Delta region. The name was derived from an old Indian tribe northeast of this region. As of the 2020 census, Shaw had a population of 1,457.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Shaw's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Bolivar
Frequently asked questions
Is Shaw, MS tap water safe to drink?
Shaw's water quality earned a grade of B+ (84.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #57 out of 320 cities tested in Mississippi.
What contaminants are in Shaw's water?
Lead was measured at 0.7 ppb (90th percentile). 116 violations are on record.
How is Shaw'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 Shaw?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Shaw's water come from?
Shaw's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,639 residents.
What health violations has Shaw's water system had?
Shaw has 7 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. 9 violations remain unresolved.
Is Shaw's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Shaw 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 116 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 Shaw's water compare to other cities?
Shaw ranks #57 out of 320 cities in Mississippi (better than 82% of state cities) and #5869 out of 15744 cities nationally (63th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Shaw's small water system affect quality?
Shaw's system serves approximately 1,639 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 116 violations on record.