Is Oxford, MS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Oxford tap water is legally compliant, but one contaminant exceeds health guidelines. Specifically: PFAS above EPA limits (PFOA: 4.35 ppt, PFOS: 52.95 ppt — limit is 4 ppt each). A point-of-use filter is recommended for drinking and cooking water.
Hardness Scale: Where Oxford Falls
0Slightly
60Moderate
120Hard
180Very Hard
250Extreme
400+
How Oxford Compares
Oxford's water is 78% softer than the national average of 138 PPM - ranking in the bottom 84% for hardness nationwide. Most homes here do not need a softener. Within Mississippi, it ranks #9 of 11 cities (44% below the state average of 54 PPM). Among smaller cities, Oxford ranks #219 of 288 for hardness.
What Oxford's Water Means for Your Home
Hardness: 30 PPM - Low Concern
Oxford's water is slightly hard at 30 PPM. Most households won't notice any issues at this level. Scale buildup is minimal, and a water softener would be overkill. Oxford is softer than 84% of US cities. If you're thinking about water treatment, contaminant filtration is where to focus your money, not softening.
Contaminants & Safety
Forever chemicals (PFAS) are a serious concern here. Oxford has PFOA at 4.35 ppt and PFOS at 52.95 ppt — the EPA's 2024 limit is 4 ppt for PFOA and PFOS individually. PFAS don't break down in your body or the environment. Research links long-term exposure to increased cancer risk, thyroid issues, and immune system problems. The fix: a whole-house activated carbon filter or a point-of-use reverse osmosis system. Look for NSF P473 certification — that's the standard that specifically tests for PFAS removal.
What's in the Treatment Process
Chromium-6 is naturally present in Oxford's aquifer geology at 0.8 ppb — 40x the EWG health guideline. There's no federal legal limit for chromium-6 specifically (only total chromium), which is why EWG tracks it separately. All measurements are within federal legal limits. The EWG guidelines represent a more conservative, health-based standard.
| Contaminant | Detected | Health Guideline | Legal Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hardness (as CaCO₃) | 30 PPM | < 60 PPM | No federal limit | ✓ OK |
| Total Dissolved Solids | 55 PPM | < 300 PPM | 500 PPM | ✓ OK |
| PFAS (total) | 119.7 ppt | — | No total limit | Detected |
| ↳ PFOA | 4.35 ppt | 0 ppt | 4 ppt (2024) | ⚠ Exceeds |
| ↳ PFOS | 52.95 ppt | 0 ppt | 4 ppt (2024) | ⚠ Exceeds |
| Lead | 0.8 ppb | 0 ppb (no safe level) | 15 ppb (10 ppb in 2027) | ✓ Low |
| Chlorine / Chloramine | 1.3 mg/L | Taste threshold ~1.0 | 4.0 mg/L | ✓ Normal |
| Nitrate | 1.11 mg/L | 5 mg/L | 10 mg/L | ✓ OK |
Recommended Filter for Oxford
PFAS exceed EPA limits (PFOA: 4.35 ppt, PFOS: 52.95 ppt — limit: 4 ppt each). A certified filter reduces these contaminants effectively.
Quick Fix for Chlorine: Shower Filter
At 1.3 mg/L chlorine, many Oxford residents notice dry skin, brittle hair, and that "pool smell" in the shower. A shower filter installs in 5 minutes, no tools needed.
How to Test Your Water in Oxford
With PFAS at 119.7 ppt in Oxford's supply, confirming your home's specific levels is especially important. PFAS vary by neighborhood and can concentrate differently depending on your position in the distribution system.
Free option: Request City of Oxford Water's annual Consumer Confidence Report for official city-level data.
📊 Already Tested Your Water?
City averages miss neighborhood-level variation. Share your results to help your neighbors get better data.
We review every submission before publishing. Your ZIP is shown; your identity is not.
About Oxford's Water Supply
Water Utility: City of Oxford Water
Water Source: Sardis Lake + wells (Groundwater)
Population Served: 28,500
Hardness: 30 PPM (1.8 grains per gallon)
Oxford draws its drinking water from groundwater sources — Sardis Lake + wells. Groundwater typically requires less treatment than surface water because the earth acts as a natural filter. The tradeoff: dissolved minerals from underground rock formations, which is why mineral content varies by aquifer depth and geology. The geological profile determines hardness, iron, and trace mineral levels. The system serves 29,000 residents.
Water quality can vary by neighborhood and season. For your exact numbers, request City of Oxford Water's Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) or test your own tap.
ZIP Codes Covered by This Report
This water quality data applies to all areas served by City of Oxford Water in Oxford, MS, including ZIP codes:
38601, 38606, 38609, 38619, 38620, 38622, 38623, 38627, 38633, 38643, 38646, 38650, 38655, 38658, 38659, 38666, 38670, 38673, 38675, 38677, 38685, 38736, 38737, 38738, 38739, 38768, 38771, 38839, 38864, 38871, 38874, 38878, 38901, 38902, 38913, 38914, 38915, 38916, 38917, 38920, 38921, 38922, 38925, 38926, 38927, 38928, 38929, 38930, 38935, 38940, 38943, 38944, 38945, 38947, 38948, 38949, 38950, 38951, 38952, 38953, 38955, 38957, 38958, 38960, 38961, 38962, 38963, 38964, 38965, 38966, 38967, 39737, 39744, 39747, 39767, 39771
If your ZIP code is listed above, this report covers your water supply. Water quality may vary slightly by neighborhood.
Compare Oxford to Other Mississippi Cities
Frequently Asked Questions About Oxford Water
Is Oxford tap water safe to drink?
Where does Oxford's water come from?
Do I need a water softener in Oxford?
How do I remove PFAS from Oxford tap water?
What water filter is best for Oxford?
Is Oxford water safe for babies and infants?
What are disinfection byproducts in Oxford's water?
Is chromium-6 in Oxford's water?
Data sources: Lead and copper data from EPA Safe Drinking Water Act LCR reporting. Contaminant data from utility-reported testing results. PFAS data from EPA UCMR5 (2023–2025). Hardness from USGS and municipal reports. Data reflects system-level testing results and may not match your specific tap due to neighborhood plumbing, season, or recent utility changes. For your utility's latest results, request their Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). Our methodology. Last updated: 2026-02-24.
What Oxford Homeowners Actually Buy
Prioritized for contaminant reduction for homes with 30 PPM water and PFAS above EPA limits.
Affiliate disclosure: we may earn a commission. Selection based on Oxford's water data.