Tap Water Results

Is Madison, MS tap water safe?

Data: U.S. EPA · How we read the data · How we check it

Summary

No federal limits exceeded in EPA data for Bear Creek Water Association – West.

4 public water systems serve parts of Madison. The largest, Bear Creek Water Association – West, serves 26,677 people. Your water bill names your system.

Largest system

Bear Creek Water Association – West

26,677 people · Groundwater · EPA ID MS0450021

PFASHighest averageLimitStatus
PFOA
Not detected
–4 pptNot detected
PFOS
Not detected
–4 pptNot detected
PFHxS
Not detected
–10 pptNot detected
PFNA
Not detected
–10 pptNot detected
HFPO-DA (GenX)
Not detected
–10 pptNot detected

ppt = parts per trillion. "Highest average" is the highest average at any of the system's entry points, the way EPA compares results with the limits.

Lead: 1.6 ppb at the 90th percentile (Dec 2024, and 9 in 10 homes sampled were at or below it) Below action level
Health-based violations since 2016: 0

Across Mississippi, 5 of 235 water systems EPA tested had PFAS above a 2024 federal limit, and 10 systems were above the lead action level in results from the last five years. Mississippi results.

Madison homes and lead pipes

12%
of homes built before 1980 (Mississippi 42%, US 50%)
2%
built before 1950 (Mississippi 7%)
6%
of households rent (Mississippi 30%)

Lead service lines and lead solder were allowed until 1986, so homes from before then are the ones to check. How to check your own line.

Housing: Census American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year estimates for Madison city (tables B25034, B25003). Estimates for small places have a margin of error.

Other water systems serving Madison

  • Bear Creek Water Association – East
    18,770 people · Groundwater · Mississippi · reported ZIPs here
    Lithium above screening level
  • City of Madison
    16,136 people · Groundwater · Mississippi · lists this city
    Lithium above screening level
  • Cmu – Lake Caroline Water System
    8,511 people · Groundwater · Mississippi · reported ZIPs here
    Lithium above screening levelAlso: 1 health-based violation since 2016

How nearby cities compare

CityMain water systemPFASLead (90th pct.)
Jackson 12 mi
City of Jackson
City of JacksonNone above limits3.2 ppb
Pearl 14 mi
City of Pearl
City of PearlNone above limits1.2 ppb
Clinton 15 mi
City of Clinton
City of ClintonNone above limits1 ppb
Brandon 16 mi
City of Brandon
City of BrandonNone above limits1.6 ppb
Greenville 83 mi
City of Greenville
City of GreenvilleNone above limits1.1 ppb
Meridian 84 mi
City of Meridian
City of MeridianNone above limits0 ppb
Madison ZIP codes (1)
  • 39110

Questions

Is Madison tap water safe to drink?

Bear Creek Water Association – West has had no health-based violations since 2016. Utility data can't show lead from your own pipes: if your home was built before 1986, test your tap. Your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report is the official summary.

Who supplies water in Madison, MS?

4 public water systems serve parts of Madison. The largest is Bear Creek Water Association – West (26,677 people). Your water bill names your system. The EPA ID is also on your utility's Consumer Confidence Report.

Does Madison tap water have PFAS?

None detected above EPA's reporting limits. Bear Creek Water Association – West had no PFAS detected in EPA's 2023–2025 testing. "Not detected" means below the reporting limit (about 2 to 20 ppt), not proven zero.

Do Madison homes have lead pipes?

Census estimates put 12% of Madison homes as built before 1980 (Mississippi: 42%). Lead service lines and lead solder were allowed until 1986, so older homes are more likely to have them. Bear Creek Water Association – West's service line inventory says what your line is made of. The only way to know for your home is to check the line where it enters the house and test your tap.

Source: U.S. EPA drinking water records and PFAS testing (UCMR 5). How we read the data.