Water Quality: Jackson, MS
4 water systems • 218,596 people served
Multiple Health ViolationsWater Quality Summary
Jackson is served by 4 public water systems with a combined service population of 218,596 people, and has 151 EPA Safe Drinking Water Act violations on record. Critically, 127 of those are health-based violations, meaning one or more contaminants were detected above EPA-established safe levels — a serious public health concern. Jackson's violation count is 115% above the national average for Mississippi. Contaminants associated with violations include Bromate, Chlorine Dioxide, Disinfection Byproducts, E. coli, TTHM.
Contaminants Found
Probable human carcinogen that increases the risk of kidney and thyroid cancers.
Common source: Ozonation of bromide-containing water; used as flour improver
EPA limit: 0.010 mg/L (10 ppb)
Can cause anemia in infants and young children; may cause nervous system effects at high levels.
Common source: Water treatment disinfectant used to control taste, odor, and microorganisms
EPA limit: 0.8 mg/L
Broad category of chemicals formed during disinfection, associated with increased cancer risk and adverse reproductive effects.
Common source: Reaction of disinfectants (chlorine, ozone, chloramines) with organic matter
Causes gastrointestinal illness; certain strains (e.g., O157:H7) can cause severe kidney failure and death.
Common source: Fecal contamination from humans or animals entering the water supply
EPA limit: Zero (no E. coli permitted in drinking water)
Total trihalomethanes are linked to increased risk of bladder cancer and adverse reproductive outcomes.
Common source: Reaction of chlorine disinfectants with naturally occurring organic matter in water
EPA limit: 0.080 mg/L (80 ppb)
Haloacetic acids are associated with increased cancer risk and potential reproductive and developmental effects.
Common source: Reaction of chlorine disinfectants with organic matter in treated water
EPA limit: 0.060 mg/L (60 ppb)
Water Systems Serving Jackson
| System Name | PWSID | Source | Population | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CITY OF JACKSON | MS0250008 | Surface Water | 189,673 | 110 |
| CITY OF JACKSON-MADDOX RD. | MS0250012 | Groundwater | 28,098 | 30 |
| HINDS CO DETENTION CTR | MS0250097 | Groundwater | 800 | 11 |
| HINDS CO DETENTION CENTER-GALLATIN ST | MS0250105 | Groundwater | 25 | 0 |
Concerned About Your Water?
A home water filter can remove common contaminants. NSF-certified filters are tested against EPA standards.
Consider a reverse osmosis system for comprehensive filtration or a carbon filter for basic improvement.
Other Cities in Mississippi
Data Sources
Drinking water violation data from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS). Data includes all recorded violations for active community water systems.