F18/100
Philadelphia Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 24,485 residents · Mississippi
What's In Philadelphia's Tap Water?
31
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
0
Above EPA Goals
EPA Violation History
4
Violations (last 5yr)
4
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, 2024 – December 31, 2024Rule: 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, 2024 – December 31, 2024Rule: 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 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
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
CENTRAL W/A-ARLINGTON
Population Served
1,460
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
MS0500001
CENTRAL W/A-EAST SIDE
Population Served
6,442
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
MS0500004
CENTRAL W/A-HOUSE
Population Served
3,186
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
MS0500005
CENTRAL W/A-NORTH PEARL RIVER
Population Served
1,164
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
MS0500007
CITY OF PHILADELPHIA
Population Served
6,921
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
MS0500008
CENTRAL W/A-SOUTHWEST
Population Served
5,312
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
MS0500009
Frequently Asked Questions About Philadelphia Water
Is Philadelphia tap water safe to drink?
Philadelphia, Mississippi tap water receives a grade of F (18/100), which is considered failing. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 450 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Philadelphia's water?
Of the 69 contaminants tested in Philadelphia'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 Philadelphia have any water quality violations?
Yes, Philadelphia has 450 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2024. Violation types include MR, MON, Other. 6 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Philadelphia?
Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia's tap water come from?
Philadelphia's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by CENTRAL W/A-ARLINGTON and 5 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 24,485 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Philadelphia'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. Philadelphia'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 Philadelphia's water compare to other cities in Mississippi?
Philadelphia's water quality score of 18/100 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 Philadelphia's water quality?
If you have concerns about Philadelphia'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 (CENTRAL W/A-ARLINGTON) 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.