Is Vardaman, MS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 23 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
51.1/100
waterverge.com Vardaman, MS — Water Quality Report
Vardaman's drinking water received a grade of D+ (51.1 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 3,302 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 14.3 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 518 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 23 remain unresolved.
What to know about Vardaman's water
Vardaman ranks #262 out of 320 cities in Mississippi for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Vardaman 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
The system has seen 12 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Vardaman, MS water safe to drink?
Vardaman's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (51.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 3,302 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Vardaman
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Vardaman's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (51.1/100).
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
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 Vardaman's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Vardaman's water system has 518 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 23 remain unresolved. 12 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Calhoun 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 Yalobusha River, Yalobusha R And Topashaw C.
Where does Vardaman's water come from?
Vardaman's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 3,302 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Yalobusha River (river), Yalobusha R And Topashaw C (river).
What Vardaman residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Vardaman'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.
Vardaman'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 Vardaman
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Vardaman, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CREST FOAM CORP HOUSTON, MS38851 | — | — | 9.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtCalhoun 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
Calhoun 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Vardaman's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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. | 14.3 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Near Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Vardaman compares by contaminant
Explore where Vardaman ranks among all Mississippi cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Vardaman's water comes from
Vardaman'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 3,302 people through 4 water systems.
Water bodies near Vardaman
Vardaman is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Vardaman
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOWN OF VARDAMAN | MS0070019 | 1,610 | GW |
| POPLAR SPRINGS W/A #1 | MS0070016 | 645 | GW |
| POPLAR SPRINGS W/A #2 | MS0070024 | 627 | GW |
| NEW LIBERTY WATER ASSOCIATION | MS0070012 | 420 | GW |
How Vardaman compares
Full Mississippi rankings →Vardaman's score of 51.1/100 is on par with the average of 54/100 among major Mississippi cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Mississippi rankings →About Vardaman, MS
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Vardaman's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Calhoun
Frequently asked questions
Is Vardaman, MS tap water safe to drink?
Vardaman's water quality earned a grade of D+ (51.1/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #262 out of 320 cities tested in Mississippi.
What contaminants are in Vardaman's water?
Lead was measured at 14.3 ppb (90th percentile). 518 violations are on record.
How is Vardaman'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 Vardaman?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Vardaman's water come from?
Vardaman's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 3,302 residents.
What health violations has Vardaman's water system had?
Vardaman has 2 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. 23 violations remain unresolved.
Is Vardaman's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Vardaman 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 518 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 Vardaman's water compare to other cities?
Vardaman ranks #262 out of 320 cities in Mississippi (better than 18% of state cities) and #12908 out of 15744 cities nationally (18th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.