DeSoto County's Seat, Growing Fast
Hernando has been DeSoto County's seat for generations, with the county courthouse at the center of its historic downtown square. First called Jefferson, the town took its current name in 1832 in honor of the explorer Hernando de Soto. Today it sits on the southern edge of the Memphis metro, about 25 miles south of Memphis, with Southaven along its northern edge and Senatobia about 15 miles to the south.
The city has changed quickly. Its population more than doubled between 2000 and 2010, from 6,812 to 14,090, and reached 17,138 in the 2020 census. So Hernando has two very different kinds of buildings: older storefronts and homes around the square, and a large share of houses built in the last two decades along corridors such as U.S. 51, I-55 and I-269.
Each brings its own water risks, and each benefits from a quick moisture check after any leak.
Newer Homes, Older Downtown: Different Leak Patterns
In homes built during the 2000s growth spurt, many original fixtures are now reaching middle age. Water heaters, washing machine hoses, ice maker lines and toilet supply lines are frequent sources of sudden leaks. A slow drip under a sink can also go unnoticed for weeks until flooring cups or a cabinet base swells.
Around the downtown square, older buildings may have aging roofs, flashing and plumbing that have been updated piece by piece over the years. Water can follow old framing and masonry in unexpected directions.
In both cases, the hidden part of the damage is what matters most. Moisture meters and thermal imaging help a restoration company find wet framing and subfloor before it is sealed back up. Learn more about structural drying.
Arkabutla Lake and the Coldwater River
Hernando itself has very little open water inside city limits, but DeSoto County's waterways are close by. Arkabutla Lake, on the Coldwater River along the DeSoto-Tate county line, is one of four flood damage reduction reservoirs in northern Mississippi. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers built its 11,500-foot dam in 1940.
The dam drew attention on May 10, 2023, when the Corps warned residents to stay away from the reservoir after finding potential breach conditions, and emergency repairs followed. For homeowners, it was a reminder to know your flood risk and to follow official instructions from emergency managers.
Check your address on the FEMA Flood Map Service Center, and remember that heavy rain can still flood low spots outside any mapped zone.
Freezes, Thunderstorms and Storm Damage Cleanup in Hernando
Hernando's winters are usually mild to cool, yet the city's record low is 12 degrees below zero. When a hard freeze arrives, pipes in exterior walls, attics and garages are the first to split, and the leak often appears only after thawing.
- Insulate exposed pipes and disconnect hoses before freezing nights.
- Open cabinet doors on outside walls and let a faucet drip.
- Find your main shutoff now so you can close it fast.
Spring brings the other major threat. Heavy thunderstorms, flash flooding and tornadoes are north Mississippi's main weather risks. Wind can lift shingles and break windows, and rain follows. Professional storm damage cleanup secures the opening, removes soaked materials and dries the structure. Outside water that enters the home calls for flood cleanup and disinfection.
Hernando Homeowner Checklist When Water Appears
- Stop the water. Close the fixture valve or the main.
- Be careful with electricity. Stay out of water near outlets and appliances, and switch off breakers only from a dry place.
- Judge the water source. Clean supply water is Category 1, while sewage or water from outdoors is Category 3 and requires protective gear.
- Take photos. Document the source, affected rooms and damaged items before moving them.
- Move valuables. Carry rugs, documents and electronics to a dry room.
- Call for help. Dial (888) 817-5061 and we will connect you with a local restoration professional who can begin water extraction.
From Extraction to Finished Repairs
Most water damage restoration in Hernando follows a familiar order. The crew inspects and maps moisture, extracts standing water, and removes saturated pad, baseboards or drywall where needed. Air movers and dehumidifiers then run while readings are recorded until materials meet dry standards.
Next comes water damage repair: drywall, paint, trim, flooring and cabinets. Before signing a repair contract, look up the company on the Mississippi State Board of Contractors' online search, and ask about insurance and training such as IICRC certification.
Mold questions
EPA guidance says mold can start growing on wet materials within 24 to 48 hours. According to an industry roundup of state requirements, Mississippi does not have a state license specifically for mold remediation, and the State Board of Contractors' homepage does not list one. For mold removal in Hernando, ask about containment methods, staff certifications and written clearance records. See our mold cleanup page.
Coverage Tips for Homes and Courthouse-Square Businesses
- Sudden leaks versus flooding. Homeowners policies generally address sudden plumbing failures but exclude flood. Flood coverage comes from NFIP or a private policy, and NFIP usually has a 30-day waiting period.
- Document and save. Keep photos, invoices, drying logs and receipts for emergency services.
- Businesses. Offices, shops and restaurants near the square and along the interstates should record damaged inventory and equipment before disposal and plan restoration around operating hours.
WaterQ does not make claim decisions, but a complete record helps. Reach a Hernando-area provider around the clock at (888) 817-5061. Neighbors to the north can visit our Southaven and Horn Lake pages.
Hernando Areas and Surrounding Communities
Our free referral line connects callers across Hernando and nearby DeSoto County, Tate County and Memphis-area communities with independent local restoration providers.
Neighborhoods
- Historic downtown square (Courthouse Square)
- Commerce Street
- U.S. Route 51 corridor
- I-55 corridor
- I-269 / I-69 corridor
Nearby communities
- Southaven
- Horn Lake
- Olive Branch
- Senatobia
- Arkabutla
- Walls
- Memphis, TN
Hernando Water Damage FAQ
What happened at Arkabutla Dam near Hernando in 2023?
On May 10, 2023, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers warned residents to stay away from Arkabutla Lake after potential breach conditions were found at the dam, and emergency repairs were made. The lake is a flood-control reservoir on the Coldwater River.
How cold can it get in Hernando?
Winters are generally mild to cool, but Hernando's record low is 12 degrees below zero. Hard freezes can split pipes in exterior walls, attics and garages, so protect plumbing before cold nights.
My Hernando house is only about 20 years old. Why is it leaking?
Water heaters, washer hoses, ice maker lines and supply lines often start failing as homes reach that age. Inspecting and replacing them on a schedule can prevent a larger water loss.
Are mold remediation companies licensed by the State of Mississippi?
An industry roundup of state requirements reports that Mississippi has no state license specifically for mold remediation, and the State Board of Contractors does not list one. Ask about certifications and written clearance documentation.
Is WaterQ located in Hernando?
WaterQ is a free referral service, not a local contractor with an office. We connect you with an independent, local restoration company that inspects the damage and does the work, and you can call 24/7.
Local emergency and flood resources
Official sources for alerts, flood maps and preparedness in and around Hernando: