F0/100
Jackson Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 217,771 residents · Mississippi
What's In Jackson's Tap Water?
76
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.004 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
18
Violations (last 5yr)
8
Unresolved
17
Health-Related
TIER 2Unresolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: April 1, 2025 – June 30, 2025Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Unresolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: April 1, 2025 – June 30, 2025Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Unresolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: January 1, 2025 – March 31, 2025Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Unresolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: January 1, 2025 – March 31, 2025Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Unresolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: October 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Unresolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: October 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Unresolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: July 1, 2024 – September 30, 2024Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Resolved
Public notification violation
When: July 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Resolved
Public notification violation
When: January 1, 2024 – June 30, 2024Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Resolved
Public notification violation
When: July 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Resolved
Public notification violation
When: January 1, 2023 – June 30, 2023Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Monitoring Violation
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: August 1, 2022 – August 31, 2022Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 1 — URGENTUnresolved
Violation related to Nitrate
When: July 1, 2022 – July 31, 2022Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Resolved
Public notification violation
When: July 1, 2022 – December 31, 2022Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 1 — URGENTResolved
Violation related to Nitrate
When: June 1, 2022 – June 30, 2022Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Resolved
Public notification violation
When: January 1, 2022 – June 30, 2022Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Resolved
Failed treatment technique requirements
When: November 1, 2021 – November 30, 2021Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Resolved
Public notification violation
When: July 1, 2021 – December 31, 2021Rule: Ground Water 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 JACKSON
Population Served
189,673
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
MS0250008
CITY OF JACKSON-MADDOX RD.
Population Served
28,098
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
MS0250012
Frequently Asked Questions About Jackson Water
Is Jackson tap water safe to drink?
Jackson, Mississippi tap water receives a grade of F (0/100), which is considered failing. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 316 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Jackson's water?
Of the 76 contaminants tested in Jackson'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 Jackson have any water quality violations?
Yes, Jackson has 316 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include MCL, Other, TT. 70 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Jackson?
Jackson 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 Jackson's tap water come from?
Jackson's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by CITY OF JACKSON and 1 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 217,771 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Jackson'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. Jackson'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 Jackson's water compare to other cities in Mississippi?
Jackson'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 Jackson's water quality?
If you have concerns about Jackson'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 JACKSON) 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.