Columbus, MS: 35 Violations - Home Safety Score unavailable
6 ZIP codes · 10 water systems · Updated
Data: EPA SDWIS
Key Facts for Columbus Residents
- Your city's water systems recorded 35 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.0026 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $1,400 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 14.62 - above typical levels.
Columbus's Water Providers
Water supply in Columbus, MS follows a divided structure: 3 utilities account for the largest share of residential service out of 10 total systems, each managing its own distribution network and EPA reporting. Because these systems operate independently, rate decisions and compliance outcomes are determined separately.
Overview
We track home safety data for 6 ZIP codes in Columbus, Mississippi, covering 10 community water systems serving approximately 48,322 people. The EPA snapshots used for this build directly map water systems to 3 of 6 ZIP codes.
3 of 3 ZIP codes with a reported violation count in the available EPA record (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 1 health-based violation appear in the available health breakdown.
Water Sources
Columbus water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0026 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 of 3 ZIP codes with known status exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 2 (Moderate Risk)
- Zone 1 (High): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 6 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 0 ZIP codes
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 22 | 3 |
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 22 | 3 |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | 6 | 1 |
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 4 | 1 |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | 2 | 1 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 39701 | — | 18 | 1 | Columbus Light & Water |
| 39705 | — | 13 | 0 | East Lowndes W/a #2-huckleberry |
| 39702 | — | 8 | 0 | Columbus Light & Water |
All ZIP Codes in Columbus
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
Reporting periods vary by source. Missing data is shown as unavailable, not as zero.
Columbus Community Health Snapshot
Source: CDC PLACES (County-level estimates). Water contamination can correlate with respiratory and chronic health conditions.
Compared to National Average
Vertical line = national average. ■ Above national · ■ Below national
What's in Columbus's Water?
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Columbus
In Columbus, property values comfortably outpace what documented remediation typically costs - the equity share is proportionally low.
Remediation costs in Columbus are relatively low compared to home values. The $667–$2,300 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 12% above the Mississippi average.
Columbus: Lead Risk & Vulnerable Populations
Why children are most at risk: The CDC states there is no safe level of lead exposure for children. Children under 6 absorb lead more readily than adults, and even low levels can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems.
Lead risk in Columbus appears low overall, but individual homes may differ. Testing is the only way to confirm your water's lead content.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Columbus: NFIP Claim Records and Water-Quality Context
Historical NFIP data for Columbus contains 1,134 flood insurance claims. Among claims with payment data, the average reported building, contents, and ICC component sum is $7,775. Among ZIP codes with claim records, 100% have an A- or V-family dominant rated zone recorded in those historical claims. This is not a complete current FEMA property-map inventory.
How flooding affects water quality: Flood events can introduce sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial chemicals into water supplies. Even after floodwaters recede, contamination can persist in wells and aging infrastructure. The <strong>$1,400</strong> remediation estimate shown here excludes flood insurance and is not derived from NFIP claim count.
Claim count does not establish current property risk. Check the exact address in FEMA's current map and obtain a property-specific insurance quote when relevant.
Source: historical FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claim records. No current FEMA property-map designation is asserted.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Columbus, MS