Is Sumner, MS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 7 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
83.4/100
waterverge.com Sumner, MS — Water Quality Report
Sumner's drinking water received a grade of B+ (83.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 807 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.1 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 149 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Sumner's water
Sumner ranks #70 out of 320 cities in Mississippi for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Sumner 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, Sumner may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Sumner, MS water safe to drink?
Sumner's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (83.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 807 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Sumner
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Sumner's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (83.4/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
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: Combined Uranium.
Contaminants: Radium-226, Radium-228.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Sumner's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Sumner's water system has 149 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 7 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Tallahatchie County has experienced 6 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.
Where does Sumner's water come from?
Sumner's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 807 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Sumner residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Sumner'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.
Sumner'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
D4 — exceptional droughtTallahatchie County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 36.6% of the county is in D4 (exceptional) drought. 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
Tallahatchie County has experienced 6 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. | 1.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Sumner compares by contaminant
Explore where Sumner ranks among all Mississippi cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Sumner's water comes from
Sumner'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 807 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Sumner
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOWN OF SUMNER | MS0680011 | 517 | GW |
| BRAZIL-SUMNER WATER ASSN. | MS0680032 | 290 | GWP |
How Sumner compares
Full Mississippi rankings →Sumner's score of 83.4/100 is above the average of 54/100 among major Mississippi cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Mississippi rankings →About Sumner, MS
Wikipedia →Sumner is a town in Tallahatchie County, Mississippi. As of the 2020 census, Sumner had a population of 278. Sumner is one of the two county seats of Tallahatchie County. It is located on the west side of the county and the Tallahatchie River, which runs through the county north–south. The other county seat is Charleston, located east of the river. Charleston was the first county seat, as settlement came from the east, and it is the larger of the two towns.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Sumner's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Tallahatchie
Frequently asked questions
Is Sumner, MS tap water safe to drink?
Sumner's water quality earned a grade of B+ (83.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #70 out of 320 cities tested in Mississippi.
What contaminants are in Sumner's water?
Lead was measured at 1.1 ppb (90th percentile). 149 violations are on record.
How is Sumner'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 Sumner?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Sumner's water come from?
Sumner's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 807 residents.
What health violations has Sumner's water system had?
Sumner has 1 health-based violation 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. 7 violations remain unresolved.
Is Sumner's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Sumner 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 149 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 Sumner's water compare to other cities?
Sumner ranks #70 out of 320 cities in Mississippi (better than 78% of state cities) and #6468 out of 15744 cities nationally (59th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.