Water Quality in Jackson, MS: 924 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 63/100 · 4 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Jackson's water has moderate compliance issues. Residents in affected areas should consider filtration.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
On record with EPA: Jackson, MS has 924 water violations.
Water Quality Map: Jackson, MS
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Jackson
Water quality varies across Jackson's 28 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 39211 | D | 50 | 33 | 28 | View report → |
| 39201 | C | 55 | 33 | 28 | View report → |
| 39206 | C | 55 | 33 | 28 | View report → |
| 39209 | C | 55 | 33 | 28 | View report → |
| 39212 | C | 55 | 33 | 28 | View report → |
| 39213 | C | 55 | 33 | 28 | View report → |
| 39202 | C | 60 | 33 | 28 | View report → |
| 39204 | C | 60 | 33 | 28 | View report → |
| 39216 | C | 60 | 33 | 28 | View report → |
| 39203 | C | 65 | 33 | 28 | View report → |
| 39205 | C | 65 | 33 | 28 | View report → |
| 39207 | C | 65 | 33 | 28 | View report → |
| 39215 | C | 65 | 33 | 28 | View report → |
| 39236 | C | 65 | 33 | 28 | View report → |
| 39284 | C | 65 | 33 | 28 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Jackson.
Water Quality Overview
Jackson, Mississippi receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 63 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 4 water systems serving Jackson have accumulated 924 EPA violations, including 784 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 28 ZIP codes serving approximately 218,596 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Jackson's water systems have some violations that warrant attention. While the water may still be safe for most people, residents in affected ZIP codes should consider additional testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Jackson water systems is 0.0041 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 73% of homes built before 1986, Jackson has a higher-than-average risk of lead from older plumbing. Lead solder was banned in 1986, and homes built before this date may have lead in pipes, solder joints, or fixtures.
Water Systems Serving Jackson
Jackson is served by 4 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 218,596 people across 28 ZIP codes.
Each water system is identified by a Public Water System ID (PWSID) and is required to:
- Test for over 90 regulated contaminants on a regular schedule
- Report results to the EPA and state regulators
- Issue an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to all customers
- Take corrective action when violations occur
The EPA has taken 280 enforcement actions against water systems serving Jackson. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Jackson
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores
Request your CCR — your water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results for all monitored contaminants
Get a home test — certified kits cost $20–$50 and test for lead, bacteria, and common contaminants. Professional lab tests ($150–$400) cover a broader panel
Consider filtration — NSF-certified filters can remove specific contaminants. Reverse osmosis removes the broadest range; activated carbon is effective for chlorine and many organics
Check for advisories — monitor your local utility website and local news for boil water advisories or system alerts
Contaminants Detected in Jackson Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Jackson's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 280 | 28 | Yes |
| Fecal Coliform | Microbiological | N/A | 168 | 28 | Yes |
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.06 mg/L | 168 | 28 | Yes |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.08 mg/L | 140 | 28 | Yes |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 56 | 28 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
Violation Trend Over Time
Year-by-year EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Jackson:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 252 | 252 |
| 2025 | 168 | 168 |
Violations have decreased from 252 in 2024 to 168 in 2025, indicating improving compliance.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 7 enforcement actions against water systems serving Jackson. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-07-01 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-06-04 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-05-06 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-05-06 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-05-05 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-03-07 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-03-05 | State Filed Judgment |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-07-01.
Jackson vs. Nearby Mississippi Cities
How Jackson's water quality compares to similar cities in Mississippi:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jackson | C | 924 | 4 | 218,596 |
| Byram | C | 0 | 1 | 189,673 |
| Hattiesburg | C | 36 | 5 | 89,032 |
| Gulfport | B | 60 | 5 | 84,591 |
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Jackson
Water quality varies across Jackson's ZIP codes. The table below shows the worst-scoring and best-scoring areas:
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 39211 | 50 | D | 33 | 28 |
| 39201 | 55 | C | 33 | 28 |
| 39206 | 55 | C | 33 | 28 |
| 39209 | 55 | C | 33 | 28 |
| 39212 | 55 | C | 33 | 28 |
| 39213 | 55 | C | 33 | 28 |
| 39202 | 60 | C | 33 | 28 |
| 39204 | 60 | C | 33 | 28 |
| 39216 | 60 | C | 33 | 28 |
| 39203 | 65 | C | 33 | 28 |
| 39289 | 70 | B | 33 | 28 |
| 39282 | 70 | B | 33 | 28 |
| 39269 | 70 | B | 33 | 28 |
| 39250 | 70 | B | 33 | 28 |
| 39225 | 70 | B | 33 | 28 |
Common Questions About Jackson Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Jackson, Mississippi:
Is Jackson water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Jackson's 4 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Jackson tap water? Jackson's water receives a grade of C (63/100). There are 784 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Jackson? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Jackson vs. Mississippi Average
Understanding how Jackson compares to the broader Mississippi average helps contextualize your local water quality. Factors like water source, treatment methods, and infrastructure age all contribute to differences between cities in the same state.
To see how individual neighborhoods compare, check the ZIP code reports below — water quality can vary significantly even within Jackson.
ZIP Codes in Jackson
Jackson spans 28 ZIP codes. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 39201. Each ZIP code has its own water quality profile based on the specific water system serving that area. Check each ZIP code for detailed contaminant data, violation history, and system information.
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
- Enforcement: EPA ECHO database
- Filter recommendations: NSF/ANSI certified products
Updated daily.