F2/100
Laurel Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 42,601 residents · Mississippi
What's In Laurel'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
3
Violations (last 5yr)
2
Unresolved
0
Health-Related
TIER 3Unresolved
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: January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Unresolved
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: January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
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: July 1, 2022 – September 30, 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
CALHOUN WATER ASSOCIATION
Population Served
3,730
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
MS0340001
GLADE WATERWORKS ASSN
Population Served
3,340
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
MS0340005
MATTHEWS MOSS WATER ASSN
Population Served
1,051
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
MS0340008
M & M WATER ASSOCIATION
Population Served
3,000
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
MS0340010
PLEASANT RIDGE W/A
Population Served
5,808
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
MS0340014
POWERS WATER ASSOCIATION
Population Served
2,413
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
MS0340015
SHADY GROVE UTILITY DISTRICT
Population Served
2,390
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
MS0340017
SHARON WATER WORKS
Population Served
2,769
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
MS0340018
CITY OF LAUREL
Population Served
18,100
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
MS0340021
Frequently Asked Questions About Laurel Water
Is Laurel tap water safe to drink?
Laurel, Mississippi tap water receives a grade of F (2/100), which is considered failing. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 1794 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Laurel's water?
Of the 66 contaminants tested in Laurel'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 Laurel have any water quality violations?
Yes, Laurel has 1794 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2024. Violation types include Other, MR, MON. 5 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Laurel?
Laurel 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 Laurel's tap water come from?
Laurel's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by CALHOUN WATER ASSOCIATION and 8 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 42,601 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Laurel'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. Laurel'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 Laurel's water compare to other cities in Mississippi?
Laurel's water quality score of 2/100 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 Laurel's water quality?
If you have concerns about Laurel'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 (CALHOUN WATER ASSOCIATION) 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.