Is Sunflower, 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 ↓
77.3/100
waterverge.com Sunflower, MS — Water Quality Report
Sunflower's drinking water received a grade of B (77.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,900 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 4.1 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 194 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved.
What to know about Sunflower's water
Sunflower ranks #125 out of 320 cities in Mississippi for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Sunflower 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, Sunflower may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Sunflower, MS water safe to drink?
Sunflower's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (77.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,900 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Sunflower
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Sunflower's water quality assessment. Grade: B (77.3/100).
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
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: Radium-228, Radium-226.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Sunflower's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Sunflower's water system has 194 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Sunflower 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. Local water sources include Big Sunflower River, Porter Bayou, Quiver River Nr Doddsville, Quiver River Nr Sunflower.
Where does Sunflower's water come from?
Sunflower's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,900 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Big Sunflower River (river), Porter Bayou (river), Quiver River Nr Doddsville (river), Quiver River Nr Sunflower (river).
What Sunflower residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Sunflower'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.
Sunflower'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 Sunflower
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Sunflower, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
GRESHAM PETROLEUM CO INDIANOLA, MS38751 | — | — | 9.2 mi |
HEARTLAND CATFISH ITTA BENA, MS38941 | — | — | 7.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtSunflower 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
Sunflower 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. | 4.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Sunflower compares by contaminant
Explore where Sunflower ranks among all Mississippi cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Sunflower's water comes from
Sunflower'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 1,900 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Sunflower
Sunflower is located near 4 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Sunflower
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOWN OF SUNFLOWER | MS0670012 | 1,900 | GW |
How Sunflower compares
Full Mississippi rankings →Sunflower's score of 77.3/100 is above the average of 54/100 among major Mississippi cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Mississippi rankings →About Sunflower, MS
Wikipedia →Sunflower is a town in Sunflower County, Mississippi, United States. As of the 2020 census, Sunflower had a population of 964.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Sunflower's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Sunflower
Frequently asked questions
Is Sunflower, MS tap water safe to drink?
Sunflower's water quality earned a grade of B (77.3/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #125 out of 320 cities tested in Mississippi.
What contaminants are in Sunflower's water?
Lead was measured at 4.1 ppb (90th percentile). 194 violations are on record.
How is Sunflower'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 Sunflower?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Sunflower's water come from?
Sunflower's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,900 residents.
What health violations has Sunflower's water system had?
Sunflower has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 9 violations remain unresolved.
Is Sunflower's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Sunflower 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 194 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 Sunflower's water compare to other cities?
Sunflower ranks #125 out of 320 cities in Mississippi (better than 61% of state cities) and #9041 out of 15744 cities nationally (43th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Sunflower's small water system affect quality?
Sunflower's system serves approximately 1,900 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 194 violations on record.