Strontium Contamination

Strontium in Mississippi Drinking Water

Ranked by max strontium detected (µg/L) · UCMR 3 data (2013–2015) · Data from EPA SDWIS & UCMR

Cities Tested

Over HRL

% Over HRL

240.7 µg/L

State Avg

▼ 3% vs national

vs National

289

Health Violations

Analysis

Strontium in Mississippi: what the data shows

Mississippi has 64 cities with strontium data from the EPA's UCMR 3 program (2013–2015). Strontium was detected above the 1,500 µg/L EPA health reference level in 2 of those cities. The state average max detected level is 240.7 µg/L. Strontium occurs naturally in groundwater, particularly in areas with limestone and dolomite geology. It can also enter water from industrial waste and mining operations. There is no federal MCL for strontium, but the EPA established a health reference level (HRL) of 1,500 µg/L. Long-term exposure to strontium above the HRL may affect bone health, particularly in children, by substituting for calcium in developing bones. Reverse osmosis and ion exchange systems are effective at removing strontium from drinking water.

Comparison

Cities exceeding 1,500 µg/L EPA HRL (no MCL)

Mississippi

2 of 64 cities

← ▼ 3% below national rate (better)

National avg

250 of 4371 cities

City Map

Strontium data across Mississippi

Each dot is a city with UCMR 3 strontium testing data. Cities where strontium exceeds the 1,500 µg/L EPA health reference level are highlighted. Size reflects population served.

Worst Offenders

Top 10 cities by strontium level in Mississippi

Highest Strontium levels (µg/L)

All Cities

All Mississippi cities ranked by strontium level

#	City	Level	Over HRL?	Violations	Grade
1	New Albany	1850.0 µg/L	Over HRL	2	D+
2	Corinth	1596.5 µg/L	Over HRL	9	D
3	Baldwyn	1340.0 µg/L	No	5	D+
4	Booneville	1170.2 µg/L	No	9	D+
5	West Point	805.7 µg/L	No	4	D
6	Shannon	784.4 µg/L	No	11	D+
7	Grenada	601.4 µg/L	No	38	F
8	Clarksdale	575.6 µg/L	No	56	F
9	Houlka	459.7 µg/L	No	6	C-
10	Clinton	384.6 µg/L	No	12	B
11	Houston	376.2 µg/L	No	6	D
12	Hattiesburg	366.9 µg/L	No	25	D
13	Forest	308.6 µg/L	No	47	D+
14	Lexington	260.0 µg/L	No	19	D+
15	Bailey	258.9 µg/L	No	5	A
16	Mississippi State	243.4 µg/L	No	2	B+
17	Philadelphia	238.0 µg/L	No	6	C-
18	Starkville	233.2 µg/L	No	16	D
19	Meridian	227.9 µg/L	No	5	D+
20	Long Beach	223.8 µg/L	No	2	A-
21	Cleveland	221.2 µg/L	No	13	B
22	Greenville	219.9 µg/L	No	46	D
23	Canton	218.6 µg/L	No	45	D
24	Madison	203.0 µg/L	No	2	B
25	Water Valley	160.0 µg/L	No	5	D+
26	Columbus	148.6 µg/L	No	15	D+
27	Walls	131.0 µg/L	No	0	B
28	Tupelo	129.2 µg/L	No	19	D
29	Sandersville	99.5 µg/L	No	108	D+
30	Duck Hill	95.0 µg/L	No	0	D
31	Oxford	87.5 µg/L	No	22	F
32	Raymond	84.9 µg/L	No	54	D+
33	Holly Springs	75.4 µg/L	No	3	A-
34	Stringer	71.8 µg/L	No	1	A
35	Vicksburg	65.7 µg/L	No	53	D
36	Laurel	62.1 µg/L	No	5	D+
37	Horn Lake	60.5 µg/L	No	5	B
38	Jackson	60.3 µg/L	No	75	D
39	Ocean Springs	59.7 µg/L	No	4	D+
40	Richton	59.3 µg/L	No	14	D+
41	Gulfport	57.7 µg/L	No	8	D+
42	Kiln	56.0 µg/L	No	19	D
43	Southaven	51.6 µg/L	No	3	B
44	Indianola	48.1 µg/L	No	11	C+
45	Greenwood	46.7 µg/L	No	7	C
46	Tutwiler	42.0 µg/L	No	99	D
47	Brookhaven	40.7 µg/L	No	6	D+
48	Biloxi	38.9 µg/L	No	10	D
49	Natchez	36.8 µg/L	No	11	B+
50	Summit	35.9 µg/L	No	10	C
51	Hernando	35.4 µg/L	No	11	D+
52	Gautier	35.3 µg/L	No	4	A-
53	Flowood	34.0 µg/L	No	3	B+
54	Ridgeland	33.6 µg/L	No	21	D+
55	Tylertown	28.0 µg/L	No	0	B+
56	Brandon	27.7 µg/L	No	27	D+
57	Yazoo City	25.4 µg/L	No	8	D+
58	Pascagoula	25.2 µg/L	No	9	D
59	Mccomb	18.6 µg/L	No	19	D
60	Olive Branch	18.1 µg/L	No	8	B-
61	Picayune	17.7 µg/L	No	5	D+
62	Pearl	16.5 µg/L	No	5	C
63	Morton	14.2 µg/L	No	23	D
64	Moss Point	1.6 µg/L	No	8	B

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about strontium in Mississippi

Is strontium in Mississippi tap water harmful?

Strontium at low levels is not considered harmful, but the EPA set a health reference level (HRL) of 1,500 µg/L based on potential bone effects. 2 cities in Mississippi exceed this HRL. There is currently no federal MCL for strontium. Children may be more susceptible because strontium can substitute for calcium in developing bones.

How can I remove strontium from my drinking water?

Reverse osmosis and ion exchange (water softener) systems are effective at removing strontium from drinking water. Standard carbon filters are NOT effective. If your water comes from a well in an area with limestone or dolomite geology, consider testing for strontium.

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