The City of Hattiesburg ended 2025 with a perfect score on the Mississippi State Department of Health’s annual drinking water inspection, marking the seventh consecutive year the city’s water system has received the highest possible rating.

The inspection evaluates whether public water systems meet state and federal standards designed to protect public health. This year, the review was more detailed than in past inspections, using a 100-point grading system instead of a traditional checklist. Despite the expanded criteria, Hattiesburg met all technical, managerial, and financial requirements.

“Perfect score is for our students to be able to safely drink and consume water, shower, and do whatever activities they deal with,” said Ramario Rodriguez, associate director of mechanical, electrical and plumbing for the University of Southern Mississippi’s Physical Plant. “That’s what we’re striving for.”

The Hattiesburg Water and Sewer Department oversees the city’s drinking water system and conducts routine testing to ensure water quality remains within acceptable limits. Treatment plant operators test water daily for indicators, including iron, fluoride, chlorine levels, and other water elements, which must fall within guidelines set by the Mississippi State Department of Health and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

While the city’s water system continues to earn top marks, some residents say they occasionally notice changes in the water’s appearance or taste. University of Southern Mississippi junior Sarah Albertini said she relies on Hattiesburg water daily but has experienced inconsistencies.

“When I come back from break, the water can be a really strange color,” Albertini said. “In some older buildings, it doesn’t taste like it probably should.”

City and university officials said those issues are often related to building infrastructure rather than water quality at the treatment level.

Rodriguez said extended periods of low water usage, such as during holiday breaks, can cause sediment to settle in older pipes. When water flow resumes, that sediment may temporarily discolor the water.

“You may get some sediment when equipment shuts down and starts back up,” Rodriguez said. “That sediment gets flushed through the pipes. We’re always working to upgrade our infrastructure.”

Officials said allowing water to run for a short time can help clear discoloration. They added that discoloration does not necessarily indicate unsafe water and that testing continues throughout the year to ensure compliance with safety standards.

The Mississippi State Department of Health’s inspection focuses on a system’s overall performance rather than aesthetic qualities such as taste or color. According to state guidelines, a perfect score reflects strong operational practices, proper monitoring and reporting, and long-term financial planning.

City leaders and university officials said continued collaboration between the Hattiesburg Water and Sewer Department and the University of Southern Mississippi is critical to maintaining the system’s high rating. Ongoing testing, infrastructure improvements, and regular communication help ensure water remains safe for residents and students.

As Hattiesburg marks its seventh consecutive perfect score, officials said the priority remains consistent monitoring and investment to maintain public confidence in the city’s drinking water system.