Laurel, MS: 28 Violations — 79/100 (2026)
4 ZIP codes · 20 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Within Laurel, safety indicators for tap water remain above the MS median — documented violations are infrequent and the city's compliance record sits in the upper tier.
How Laurel Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Laurel Water
- Your city's water systems recorded 28 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.0014 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $1,500 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 15.68 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Laurel
At present, 3 utilities serve the bulk of Laurel, MS's residential water connections out of 20 systems active in the area, spread across independent providers with separate infrastructure and compliance obligations.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 4 ZIP codes in Laurel, Mississippi (population ~43,043), covering 20 community water systems serving approximately 69,663 people region-wide.
4 of 4 ZIP codes (100%) have recorded EPA violations. All violations are monitoring/reporting type.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Laurel: B (79/100)
The score combines three factors:
| Factor | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Water Quality | EPA violations and compliance history |
| Lead Levels | 90th percentile lead concentration vs EPA action level |
| Radon Risk | EPA radon zone classification |
Water Sources
Laurel water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0014 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 3 (Low Risk)
- Zone 1 (High): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 4 ZIP codes
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 30 | 4 |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | Microbiological | 5 | 4 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 39440 | B | 7 | 0 | City of Laurel |
| 39441 | B | 7 | 0 | City of Laurel |
| 39442 | B | 7 | 0 | City of Laurel |
| 39443 | B | 7 | 0 | City of Laurel |
All ZIP Codes in Laurel
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
Updated daily.
Health Outcomes in Laurel
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
Top Contaminants in Laurel Water
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Laurel Homeowners
Middle of the range — Laurel homeowners face a remediation share that calls for real financial attention without reaching crisis territory.
Remediation costs are moderate relative to home values in Laurel. The estimated $1,000–$2,150 range is manageable for most homeowners but still worth budgeting for. Home values are 12% above the Mississippi average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Laurel
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 Laurel 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.
Flood & Climate Risk in Laurel
Flood risk in Laurel occupies the middle ground: 193 NFIP claims and 100% of local ZIP codes within FEMA flood zones. At that level, the risk pathways connecting flooding to water quality — treatment system stress, well infiltration, distribution backflow — become relevant considerations during significant flood events, even if day-to-day water quality is unaffected by flood history.
Laurel has a moderate flood history with 193 FEMA claims averaging $18,240 per payout. 100% of ZIP codes fall within FEMA flood zones. Flood events can contaminate drinking water and overwhelm treatment systems.
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. Flood damage can add significantly to the estimated <strong>$1,500</strong> remediation cost per household.
Residents in flood-prone areas should consider flood insurance even outside FEMA zones — over 25% of flood claims come from low-to-moderate risk areas. After any flood event, test your water before drinking.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Laurel, MS