Is Shuqualak, MS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 8 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
80.1/100
waterverge.com Shuqualak, MS — Water Quality Report
Shuqualak's drinking water received a grade of B+ (80.1 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,462 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.5 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 218 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved.
What to know about Shuqualak's water
Shuqualak ranks #99 out of 320 cities in Mississippi for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Shuqualak 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, Shuqualak may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Shuqualak, MS water safe to drink?
Shuqualak's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (80.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,462 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Shuqualak
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Shuqualak's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (80.1/100).
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.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Shuqualak's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Shuqualak's water system has 218 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Noxubee County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 2004. 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 Noxubee River.
Where does Shuqualak's water come from?
Shuqualak's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,462 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Noxubee River (river).
What Shuqualak residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Shuqualak'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.
Shuqualak'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 Shuqualak
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Shuqualak, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 16,919 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
SUPERIOR FISH PRODUCTS INC. MACON, MS39341 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 16,917 | 7.7 mi |
STELLA-JONES CORP SCOOBA, MS39358 | Pentachlorophenol | 2 | 4.5 mi |
PENICK FOREST PRODUCTS INC. MACON, MS39341 | — | — | 8.7 mi |
SHUQUALAK LUMBER CO SHUQUALAK, MS39361 | — | — | 0.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtNoxubee 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
Noxubee County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 2004. 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. | 3.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Shuqualak compares by contaminant
Explore where Shuqualak ranks among all Mississippi cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Shuqualak's water comes from
Shuqualak'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 1,462 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Shuqualak
Shuqualak is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Shuqualak
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOWN OF SHUQUALAK | MS0520008 | 989 | GW |
| SHUQUALAK-BUTLER W/A | MS0520024 | 473 | GW |
How Shuqualak compares
Full Mississippi rankings →Shuqualak's score of 80.1/100 is above the average of 54/100 among major Mississippi cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Mississippi rankings →About Shuqualak, MS
Wikipedia →Shuqualak is a town in Noxubee County, Mississippi, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population was 399. That is down from 501 from the 2010 census. Three locations in Shuqualak, including most of the downtown area, are included on the National Register of Historic Places.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Shuqualak's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Noxubee
Frequently asked questions
Is Shuqualak, MS tap water safe to drink?
Shuqualak's water quality earned a grade of B+ (80.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #99 out of 320 cities tested in Mississippi.
What contaminants are in Shuqualak's water?
Lead was measured at 3.5 ppb (90th percentile). 218 violations are on record.
How is Shuqualak'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 Shuqualak?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Shuqualak's water come from?
Shuqualak's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,462 residents.
What health violations has Shuqualak's water system had?
Shuqualak has 3 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. 8 violations remain unresolved.
Is Shuqualak's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Shuqualak 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 218 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 Shuqualak's water compare to other cities?
Shuqualak ranks #99 out of 320 cities in Mississippi (better than 69% of state cities) and #8016 out of 15744 cities nationally (49th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.