F5/100
Cleveland Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 17,892 residents · Mississippi
What's In Cleveland's Tap Water?
66
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.001 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
2
Violations (last 5yr)
0
Unresolved
1
Health-Related
TIER 3Resolved
Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure
When: June 25, 2021 – April 5, 2022Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Resolved
Maximum contaminant level violation
When: May 1, 2021 – April 5, 2022Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
Understanding violation severity
Tier 1Urgent health risk. Utility must notify all customers within 24 hours.Tier 2Important health or treatment issue. Customers notified within 30 days.Tier 3Administrative or monitoring issue. Reported in the annual water quality report.
Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) · Updated quarterly
Water Utility Details
CITY OF CLEVELAND
Population Served
16,392
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
MS0060006
DELTA STATE UNIVERSITY
Population Served
1,500
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
MS0060007
Frequently Asked Questions About Cleveland Water
Is Cleveland tap water safe to drink?
Cleveland, Mississippi tap water receives a grade of F (5/100), which is considered failing. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 183 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Cleveland's water?
Of the 66 contaminants tested in Cleveland's water supply, the most notable include Lead (90th percentile). No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Cleveland have any water quality violations?
Yes, Cleveland has 183 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2024. Violation types include MON, MR, Other. 13 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Cleveland?
Cleveland water meets EPA standards, so a filter is not strictly necessary. However, some residents prefer the added security of a water filter. EPA health goals (MCLGs) are stricter than legal limits and are set at levels with zero expected health risk. 1 contaminant(s) exceed these stricter goals.
Where does Cleveland's tap water come from?
Cleveland's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by CITY OF CLEVELAND and 1 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 17,892 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Cleveland's water tested?
Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), water utilities are required to regularly test for over 90 contaminants. Testing frequency varies by contaminant — some are tested monthly, others quarterly or annually. Cleveland's water systems must report results to the EPA and publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). The data on this page reflects the latest available EPA testing data.
How does Cleveland's water compare to other cities in Mississippi?
Cleveland's water quality score of 5/100 earns a grade of F, which is considered failing. This is a concerning score that suggests significant water quality issues. Visit our Mississippi state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Cleveland's water quality?
If you have concerns about Cleveland's tap water, consider these steps: (1) Request your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report for detailed local data. (2) Get your water independently tested through a state-certified laboratory. (3) Consider an NSF-certified water filter rated for the contaminants found in your area. (4) Contact your water utility (CITY OF CLEVELAND) with specific questions. (5) Report water quality issues to your state drinking water program or the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.