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WaterSafeCheck

ZIP Code 39403 Water Quality Report

Hattiesburg, MS · Forrest County County

Safety Score
C

Water Safety Grade

Fair — Some compliance concerns

Health Violations

0

Total Violations

6

Lead Risk

N/A

Contaminants

0

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Active Water Quality Issues Detected

EPA records show 5 unresolved violations. Contact City of Hattiesburg for current status.

About Tap Water in ZIP Code 39403

Tap water in ZIP code 39403 (Hattiesburg, MS) receives a C grade (score: 67/100) based on EPA monitoring data. While the water from City of Hattiesburg is treated and regulated, this area has a moderate violation history that residents should be aware of.

Water System

City of Hattiesburg

EPA ID: MS0180008

Water Source

Ground Water

Population Served

43,449 residents

County

Forrest County County, Mississippi

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Lead Levels in ZIP 39403

EPA action level: 15 ppb | Public health goal: 0 ppb

Lead Level: 10.4 ppb — Approaching Action Level

The 90th percentile lead level in 39403 is 10.4 ppb, approaching the EPA action level of 15 ppb. When a water system's 90th percentile exceeds this threshold, the utility is required to take corrective action including public notification and infrastructure upgrades. Residents — especially those with children or in homes built before 1986 — should use a certified lead-reducing filter (NSF/ANSI 53 or 58) for drinking and cooking water.
Lead Level (90th percentile)
10.40 ppb (0.0104 mg/L)
Lead Exposure Risk Rating
Unknown
Note: Lead levels above are the 90th percentile from EPA monitoring — meaning 90% of samples were at or below this level. Even "undetected" tap water lead doesn't account for lead leaching from home plumbing. If your home was built before 1986, individual tap testing is recommended.
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Violation History

Past 5 years — EPA SDWIS data

City of Hattiesburg has recorded 6 violations, but none are health-based. Administrative or reporting violations don't directly indicate unsafe water, but they do signal gaps in documentation or monitoring procedures. 5 violations are currently unresolved — meaning the issue has not yet been formally corrected in EPA records. This is a serious concern that residents should follow up on with their water utility.

Total Violations (5 yr)
6
Health-Based Violations
0
Unresolved Violations
5
Boil Water Advisories
0
Compliance Risk
High

Regulatory compliance risk is rated High. City of Hattiesburg has a pattern of compliance issues that goes beyond isolated incidents. Residents should stay informed via their utility's Consumer Confidence Report.

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Contaminants Detected

Contaminants with health-based violations on record

No health-based contaminant violations are on record for ZIP code 39403. This means EPA monitoring has not found levels of regulated contaminants exceeding the Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) set under the Safe Drinking Water Act — a positive indicator of water quality compliance.

⚖ Enforcement Actions

10 enforcement actions have been issued against City of Hattiesburg — a high number that reflects sustained compliance struggles. Enforcement actions escalate from administrative orders to financial penalties when utilities repeatedly fail to meet safe drinking water standards.
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Water Source & Environmental Factors

Ground Water

This system draws water from underground aquifers. Groundwater is naturally filtered through soil and rock, but can still contain naturally occurring minerals like arsenic, radium, or nitrates.

Water Source Type
Ground Water
EPA Radon Zone

Lower potential

Zone 3

EPA Radon Zone 3 — lower radon potential, though the EPA still recommends testing all homes.

🛡 What Should You Do? — ZIP 39403 Recommendations

  • ⚠ Use a certified NSF/ANSI 53 filter for drinking and cooking water if you have young children
  • ⚠ Never give unfiltered tap water to infants in formula — use certified bottled or filtered water
  • ⚠ Request a copy of the Consumer Confidence Report to see what was detected and when
  • ⚠ Call the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline: 1-800-426-4791

Frequently Asked Questions — ZIP 39403 Water Quality

Is tap water safe to drink in ZIP code 39403?+
Tap water in 39403 (Hattiesburg, MS) is treated and regulated, but has a grade of C due to past violations. For most healthy adults, treated tap water is generally safe. Families with infants, young children, or immunocompromised individuals may want to use a certified water filter as a precaution.
What is the lead level in 39403 tap water?+
The 90th percentile lead level in 39403 is 10.4 ppb (parts per billion). The EPA action level is 15 ppb. This is below the action level, but some health experts recommend a lead filter for families with young children.
Who provides tap water to 39403?+
Tap water in ZIP code 39403 is provided by City of Hattiesburg (EPA ID: MS0180008). This system serves approximately 43,449 residents. You can contact them directly for Consumer Confidence Reports, current advisories, and billing information.
What is the water source for 39403?+
ZIP code 39403 is served by ground water. Groundwater systems draw from underground aquifers. While naturally filtered, groundwater can still contain naturally occurring contaminants such as arsenic, radium, or nitrates at elevated levels in some regions.
Does 39403 have any active water quality violations?+
Yes — there are currently 5 unresolved violations on record for this water system. Unresolved violations indicate issues that have not yet been formally corrected in EPA tracking systems. Contact City of Hattiesburg for the latest update.
How do I get a copy of my water quality report for 39403?+
Your water utility — City of Hattiesburg — is required by law to send you an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) by July 1 each year. You can also request it directly from the utility or find it online by searching "City of Hattiesburg Consumer Confidence Report." The EPA's ECHO database also has historical compliance data.
What water filter should I use in 39403?+
The right filter depends on what contaminants are present. For lead, look for a filter certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53. For chlorine byproducts (like THMs), NSF/ANSI 42 filters work well. For a broad range of contaminants including PFAS, look for NSF/ANSI 58 (reverse osmosis) systems. For ZIP code 39403, with a clean compliance record, a standard carbon block filter meeting NSF/ANSI 42 is a good choice for taste and as a precaution.
Is 39403 tap water safe for babies and infants?+
Infants are especially vulnerable to lead, nitrates, and microbial contaminants in drinking water. Given the detected lead level of 10.4 ppb in 39403, we recommend using a certified NSF/ANSI 53 water filter or certified bottled water for preparing infant formula. Always consult your pediatrician for guidance specific to your child's health.

Data Sources & Methodology

Water quality data for ZIP code 39403 is compiled from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), EPA ECHO enforcement database, UCMR5 unregulated contaminant monitoring, and Consumer Confidence Reports filed by City of Hattiesburg. Safety scores are composite metrics derived from violation history, lead levels, enforcement actions, and infrastructure risk indicators. Data reflects a 5-year monitoring window. Last dataset update: 2024. View EPA source data →