F0/100
Itta Bena Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 5,180 residents · Mississippi
What's In Itta Bena's Tap Water?
1
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.003 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
3
Violations (last 5yr)
0
Unresolved
0
Health-Related
TIER 3Resolved
Surface water treatment technique failure
When: July 1, 2025 – July 3, 2025Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Surface water treatment technique failure
When: July 1, 2024 – July 24, 2024Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: October 1, 2022 – December 31, 2022Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: 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 ITTA BENA
Population Served
2,930
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
MS0420002
MS VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY
Population Served
2,250
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
MS0420003
Frequently Asked Questions About Itta Bena Water
Is Itta Bena tap water safe to drink?
Itta Bena, Mississippi tap water receives a grade of F (0/100), which is considered failing. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 244 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Itta Bena's water?
Of the 2 contaminants tested in Itta Bena's water supply, the most notable include Copper (90th percentile), Lead (90th percentile). 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Itta Bena have any water quality violations?
Yes, Itta Bena has 244 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include Other, MR, MON. 3 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Itta Bena?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Itta Bena is recommended. 1 contaminant(s) exceed legal limits. An NSF-certified filter — such as a reverse osmosis or activated carbon system — can effectively reduce many common contaminants. Choose a filter certified to remove the specific contaminants found in your area.
Where does Itta Bena's tap water come from?
Itta Bena's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by CITY OF ITTA BENA and 1 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 5,180 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Itta Bena'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. Itta Bena'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 Itta Bena's water compare to other cities in Mississippi?
Itta Bena's water quality score of 0/100 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 Itta Bena's water quality?
If you have concerns about Itta Bena'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 ITTA BENA) 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.