Water Quality in Columbus, MS
Columbus's water has 4 contaminants above health guidelines. We recommend using a certified water filter.
Utility
COLUMBUS LIGHT &
People Served
23,319
MCL Violations
0
Last Updated
Apr 17, 2022
Quick Summary
Contaminants Detected
⚠️ Contaminants Above Health Guidelines (4)
Chlorine (Free)
What is Chlorine (Free)?
Chlorine is a chemical element with the symbol Cl and atomic number 17. It is a yellow-green gas at room temperature and is a strong oxidizing agent. Chlorine is commonly used in water treatment to kill bacteria and other pathogens.
Health Effects
Exposure to chlorine can cause respiratory issues, skin irritation, and eye irritation. Ingesting chlorine can lead to gastrointestinal distress and other serious health problems.
Affected Organs
Common Sources
Chloroform
What is Chloroform?
Member of trihalomethanes (THMs) that form in water treated with chlorine and is generally the most abundant THM formed in drinking water
Health Effects
Health protective benchmarks for chloroform have been developed based on kidney and liver carcinogenicity observed in animal studies, and liver toxicity observed in occupational studies. The EPA classifies chloroform as a probable human carcinogen based on animal evidence, and there is additional epidemiological evidence that may increase the risk of colon and bladder cancer in humans. Results from animal studies also suggest that exposure to chloroform can cause liver, developmental and immune toxicity. Acute exposure to low levels of chloroform will cause nervous system toxicity.
Affected Organs
Common Sources
Total THMs
What is Total THMs?
Group of contaminants that form in drinking water systems when a disinfectant, typically chlorine, reacts with organic matter
Health Effects
Drinking water standards for total THMs are based on evidence of carcinogenicity in human and animal studies, as well as liver and kidney toxicity observed in animal studies. Individual THMs have been further associated with developmental, immune, spleen, and genotoxicity.
Affected Organs
Common Sources
Fluoride
What is Fluoride?
Naturally occurring mineral in the environment and an essential element of tooth enamel
Health Effects
Elevated levels of fluoride in drinking water can lead to dental fluorosis in children, which is the discoloration and molting away of tooth enamel. Evidence on low-dose, chronic exposure to fluoride is not definitive but has been indicated as having potential neurological impacts. Studies have clearly established that long-term exposure to high doses of fluoride, higher than typically found in US drinking water, can have adverse effects on skeletal tissue (bones and teeth), which may cause higher risk of bone fractures in seniors. Skeletal fluorosis is a debilitating condition caused by high fluoride exposure during bone development in children.
Affected Organs
Common Sources
Understanding the Data
This data comes from your local water utility testing. The bar charts compare detected levels against health guidelines (HGL). Contaminants above the health guideline are shown by default and may require filtration. All other tested contaminants are within safe levels and can be viewed by expanding the section above.
Recommended Water Filters for Columbus
Based on Columbus's water quality data, these NSF-certified filters are recommended to remove contaminants above health guidelines.
![EDR3RXD1B[2] [Pb] EDR3RXD1B[2] [Pb]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fm.media-amazon.com%2Fimages%2FI%2F71ZRnnMAgmL._AC_SX355_.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
Whirlpool Corporation
EDR3RXD1B[2] [Pb] EDR3RXD1B[2] [Pb]
NSF Certified:
Capacity
2001 gal
Filter Life
7 mo
Flow Rate
0.5 gpm
Removes 17 contaminants:
1,2 Dichlorobenzene, Asbestos, Atrazine, Benzene, Carbofuran +12 more
Whirlpool Corporation
EDR3RXD1R[2] [Pb] EDR3RXD1R[2] [Pb]
NSF Certified:
Capacity
2001 gal
Filter Life
7 mo
Flow Rate
0.5 gpm
Removes 17 contaminants:
1,2 Dichlorobenzene, Asbestos, Atrazine, Benzene, Carbofuran +12 more
Sears Brands Management Corporation
P1KB1 P1KB1
NSF Certified:
Capacity
2001 gal
Filter Life
7 mo
Flow Rate
0.5 gpm
Removes 18 contaminants:
1,2 Dichlorobenzene, Asbestos, Atrazine, Benzene, Carbofuran +13 more
Sears Brands Management Corporation
P1KB2 P1KB2
NSF Certified:
Capacity
1001 gal
Filter Life
3 mo
Flow Rate
0.5 gpm
Removes 19 contaminants:
1,2 Dichlorobenzene, 1,4 Dichlorobenzene, Asbestos, Atrazine, Benzene +14 more
Frequently Asked Questions
Columbus's water has 4 contaminants above health guidelines. We strongly recommend using a certified water filter to reduce exposure to these contaminants. Check our filter recommendations below for NSF-certified options that can remove the specific contaminants found in Columbus's water.