D27/100
Tupelo Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 39,376 residents · Mississippi
What's In Tupelo's Tap Water?
69
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
0
Above EPA Goals
EPA Violation History
2
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: February 1, 2025 – February 28, 2025Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Unresolved
Monitoring Violation
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: February 1, 2025 – February 28, 2025Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: 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
CITY OF TUPELO
Population Served
37,000
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
MS0410015
PALMETTO W/A
Population Served
2,376
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
MS0410018
Frequently Asked Questions About Tupelo Water
Is Tupelo tap water safe to drink?
Tupelo, Mississippi tap water receives a grade of D (27/100), which is considered poor. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 276 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Tupelo's water?
Of the 69 contaminants tested in Tupelo'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 Tupelo have any water quality violations?
Yes, Tupelo has 276 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include MR, MON, Other. 8 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Tupelo?
Tupelo 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 Tupelo's tap water come from?
Tupelo's drinking water is sourced from purchased surface water and supplied by CITY OF TUPELO and 1 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 39,376 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Tupelo'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. Tupelo'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 Tupelo's water compare to other cities in Mississippi?
Tupelo's water quality score of 27/100 earns a grade of D, which is considered poor. 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 Tupelo's water quality?
If you have concerns about Tupelo'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 TUPELO) 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.