PFAS in Drinking Water in Mississippi
What residents of Mississippi need to know about PFAS ("forever chemicals") in drinking water — including contamination sources, which utilities have documented violations, and how to filter PFAS from tap water.
Source: EPA SDWIS, Mississippi Department of Health, CDC · Last reviewed: 2025-01-01
Quick Answer
Is PFAS in drinking water a real concern in Mississippi?
PFAS contamination in Mississippi is primarily associated with Columbus Air Force Base in Lowndes County and Keesler AFB near Biloxi on the Gulf Coast. Both installations have documented AFFF-related PFAS use, and monitoring near these bases has detected PFAS in groundwater. Mississippi's drinking water infrastructure challenges — many small systems serving rural communities — may complicate PFAS treatment implementation.
Where does PFAS come from in Mississippi?
Columbus AFB and Keesler AFB are the primary known PFAS sources in Mississippi. AFFF firefighting foam at these installations has contaminated surrounding groundwater. Mississippi also draws a significant portion of its water supply from the Sparta Sand Aquifer and the Mississippi River Alluvial Aquifer, both of which can carry PFAS from upstream industrial and agricultural sources.
What should Mississippi residents know?
Lowndes County residents near Columbus AFB and Harrison County residents near Keesler AFB face the most direct military-source PFAS risk. Mississippi's many small community water systems — some already struggling with infrastructure and compliance — will face challenges meeting the new EPA 4 ppt MCL. Mississippi DOH has been conducting PFAS testing under UCMR5.
Key Facts
| EPA MCL (PFOA/PFOS) | 4 ppt — effective April 2024 |
| MCLG | Zero |
| Primary contamination sources | Columbus AFB (Lowndes County), Keesler AFB (Harrison County/Biloxi area) |
| Infrastructure concern | Many small Mississippi water systems may face resource constraints meeting 4 ppt MCL by 2027 |
| State regulator | Mississippi Department of Health |
| Health effects | Cancer (kidney, testicular), thyroid disruption, immune effects, developmental toxicity |
| Effective treatment | Reverse osmosis (NSF/ANSI 58) or granular activated carbon certified for PFAS |
Why PFAS Matters in Mississippi
Mississippi faces a dual challenge: PFAS contamination from military installations and the practical difficulty of implementing required treatment in a state with many small, resource-limited water systems. Columbus AFB and Keesler AFB are both documented AFFF sources. Mississippi's groundwater systems are vulnerable to contamination migration given the state's predominantly alluvial geology in the Delta and coastal regions. The state's relatively lower household income levels may limit the ability of affected residents to implement point-of-use filtration independently.
Mississippi PFAS Regulation
Mississippi Department of Health participates in UCMR5 monitoring. Columbus AFB and Camp Shelby are the primary military PFAS assessment sites in the state. Mississippi does not have a state PFAS MCL more protective than the federal standard.
Largest Mississippi Water Utilities
No PFAS violations on record in EPA SDWIS for Mississippi utilities in our database. Browse the largest utilities to review their full water quality record.
What Are PFAS (“Forever Chemicals”)?
PFAS are a family of over 12,000 synthetic chemicals used in non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, food packaging, and AFFF firefighting foam. Their carbon-fluorine bonds do not break down in the environment or the body — hence the name “forever chemicals.” AFFF used at military bases is the single largest source of PFAS in U.S. drinking water.
Full PFAS overview — national data, health effects, all 50 statesWho Should Pay Closest Attention
Columbus and Lowndes County area residents near Columbus AFB, Biloxi/Gulfport area residents near Keesler AFB, and private well owners in rural Mississippi communities near any industrial or military source face elevated risk. Low-income and rural Mississippi communities may have the least access to alternative water sources or filtration.
Residents near military bases with AFFF use history
Private well owners near military or industrial sites
Pregnant residents and families with young children
Residents in communities with documented PFAS detections
Anyone who has consumed water above 4 ppt for an extended period
Residents near airports, fire training areas, or industrial manufacturers
How to Check Your Situation in Mississippi
- 1
Identify your water utility using the ZIP lookup below or by browsing the Mississippi utility directory on this site.
- 2
Review your utility's Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) — it must report PFAS monitoring results under UCMR5 and the new MCL.
- 3
Check the EPA's ECHO database for your utility's monitoring history. Look for PFAS, PFOA, PFOS, and related compound results.
- 4
Contact your utility directly and ask for their most recent PFAS test results and whether they are implementing treatment under the 2024 MCL.
- 5
If you use a private well near a military base, airport, or industrial facility, order a PFAS panel test from a state-certified laboratory. Tests typically cost $150–$400.
- 6
If PFAS is detected above 4 ppt in your source water, install a certified NSF/ANSI 58 reverse osmosis system or an NSF/ANSI 53-certified activated carbon filter rated for PFAS removal.
How to Remove PFAS from Tap Water
Reverse Osmosis (Best)
90–99% removal — NSF/ANSI 58 certified systems only
Certified Activated Carbon
Effective with NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 certification — verify before buying
Boiling concentrates PFAS. Standard pitcher filters and water softeners do not remove PFAS. Always verify NSF certification before purchasing.
Take Action Now
Look up your Mississippi utility's PFAS monitoring history on the PFAS Watchlist below.
If your utility has detected PFAS above 4 ppt, install an NSF/ANSI 58-certified reverse osmosis system at your drinking tap.
Private well owners near military or industrial sites should order a PFAS panel test ($150–$400 at a state-certified lab).
Request your utility's most recent Consumer Confidence Report — PFAS results must be disclosed under the new 2024 MCL.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Pages
PFAS — National Overview
All U.S. utilities with PFAS records
Mississippi PFAS Watchlist
Live utility PFAS monitoring data
Mississippi State Overview
All utilities and water quality data
Reverse Osmosis Guide
Removes 90–99% of PFAS
Activated Carbon Filter Guide
NSF/ANSI 53/58 certified options for PFAS
Arsenic in Drinking Water
Another priority contaminant
All Contaminants
Complete reference library
Data Sources & Provenance
All data on this page is sourced from official U.S. government or public datasets.
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Mississippi Department of Health ↗