Is Tchula, MS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 15 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
72.6/100
waterverge.com Tchula, MS — Water Quality Report
Tchula's drinking water received a grade of B- (72.6 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,887 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.3 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 285 violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 15 remain unresolved.
What to know about Tchula's water
Tchula ranks #159 out of 320 cities in Mississippi for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Tchula 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, Tchula may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 10 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Tchula, MS water safe to drink?
Tchula's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (72.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,887 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Tchula
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Tchula's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (72.6/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Chlorine.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
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 Tchula's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Tchula's water system has 285 total violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 15 remain unresolved. 10 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Holmes County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 2005. 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 Bee Lake Tributary No 1 Nr Thornton.
Where does Tchula's water come from?
Tchula's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,887 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Bee Lake Tributary No 1 Nr Thornton (river).
What Tchula residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Tchula'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.
Tchula'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
D3 — extreme droughtHolmes 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
Holmes County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 2005. 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. | 1.3 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Tchula compares by contaminant
Explore where Tchula ranks among all Mississippi cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Tchula's water comes from
Tchula'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 2,887 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Tchula
Tchula is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Tchula
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOWN OF TCHULA | MS0260016 | 1,642 | GW |
| WEST HOLMES WATER ASSOCIATION | MS0260027 | 1,245 | GW |
How Tchula compares
Full Mississippi rankings →Tchula's score of 72.6/100 is above the average of 54/100 among major Mississippi cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Mississippi rankings →About Tchula, MS
Wikipedia →Tchula is a town in Holmes County, Mississippi, United States. The population was 1,652 at the 2020 census, down from 2,332 in 2000.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Tchula's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Holmes
Frequently asked questions
Is Tchula, MS tap water safe to drink?
Tchula's water quality earned a grade of B- (72.6/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #159 out of 320 cities tested in Mississippi.
What contaminants are in Tchula's water?
Lead was measured at 1.3 ppb (90th percentile). 285 violations are on record.
How is Tchula'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 Tchula?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Tchula's water come from?
Tchula's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,887 residents.
What health violations has Tchula's water system had?
Tchula has 7 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 15 violations remain unresolved.
Is Tchula's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Tchula 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 285 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 Tchula's water compare to other cities?
Tchula ranks #159 out of 320 cities in Mississippi (better than 50% of state cities) and #10270 out of 15744 cities nationally (35th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.