Is Sturgis, MS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 42 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
50/100
waterverge.com Sturgis, MS — Water Quality Report
Sturgis's drinking water received a grade of D+ (50 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 1,889 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 626 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 42 remain unresolved.
What to know about Sturgis's water
Sturgis ranks #281 out of 320 cities in Mississippi for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Sturgis 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, Sturgis may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 22 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Sturgis, MS water safe to drink?
Sturgis's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (50/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 1,889 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Sturgis
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Sturgis's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (50/100).
3 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Nitrate, Nitrite, Nitrate-Nitrite.
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 Sturgis's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Sturgis's water system has 626 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 42 remain unresolved. 22 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Oktibbeha County has experienced 6 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.
Where does Sturgis's water come from?
Sturgis's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 1,889 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Sturgis residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Sturgis'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.
Sturgis'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 Sturgis
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Sturgis, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
SOUTHEASTERN TIMBER PRODUCTS LLC ACKERMAN, MS39735 | — | — | 9.8 mi |
CHOCTAW GENERATION LP L.L.L.P. ACKERMAN, MS39735 | — | — | 9.9 mi |
U.S. TVA ACKERMAN COMBINED CYCLE PLANT ACKERMAN, MS39735 | — | — | 9.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtOktibbeha 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
Oktibbeha County has experienced 6 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Sturgis compares by contaminant
Explore where Sturgis ranks among all Mississippi cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Sturgis's water comes from
Sturgis'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 public/private ownership and serves approximately 1,889 people through 4 water systems.
Water systems serving Sturgis
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WAKE FOREST WATER ASSN | MS0530025 | 571 | GW |
| MORGAN CHAPEL WATER ASSN | MS0530013 | 528 | GW |
| BRADLEY WATER ASSOCIATION | MS0530004 | 467 | GW |
| TOWN OF STURGIS | MS0530021 | 323 | GW |
How Sturgis compares
Full Mississippi rankings →Sturgis's score of 50/100 is on par with the average of 54/100 among major Mississippi cities. It outscores 4 of 10 nearby cities. 5 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Mississippi rankings →About Sturgis, MS
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Sturgis's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Oktibbeha
Frequently asked questions
Is Sturgis, MS tap water safe to drink?
Sturgis's water quality earned a grade of D+ (50/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #281 out of 320 cities tested in Mississippi.
What contaminants are in Sturgis's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 626 violations are on record.
How is Sturgis'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 Sturgis?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Sturgis's water come from?
Sturgis's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 1,889 residents.
What health violations has Sturgis's water system had?
Sturgis has 4 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. 42 violations remain unresolved.
Is Sturgis's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Sturgis 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 626 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 Sturgis's water compare to other cities?
Sturgis ranks #281 out of 320 cities in Mississippi (better than 12% of state cities) and #13128 out of 15744 cities nationally (17th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.