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Not health advice. Contact your local water utility for concerns.
Data from EPA Water Quality Reports. For official information, contact your water utility or health department.
Water quality scores for 30 cities in Louisiana
It depends on your utility. 6 of the 22 Louisiana water systems we grade from EPA records have a health-based violation in the last five years; the state averages 91/100 (3 above the national 88). Lowest graded: Shreveport (F). Highest: Baton Rouge (A).
Louisiana's official certified-lab list, when to test well vs city water, typical lab prices, and how to take a first-draw lead sample.
Across the 22 Louisiana water systems we can grade from EPA records, the average score is 91/100 — 3 points above the U.S. national average of 88/100. 82% of graded Louisiana cities (18 of 22) score above that national benchmark, and 18 earn a Grade A. 6 cities have at least one health-based EPA violation in the last five years. 8 cities are not graded because we have not yet matched them to an EPA water system.
The contaminants most commonly flagged in Louisiana water systems are disinfection byproducts (chlorination), lead (older infrastructure) and nitrates (agricultural areas). See the full breakdown in our Louisiana water quality rankings or compare against the cities with the best water quality in America.
See the top 20 cities with the cleanest, safest drinking water
Complete water quality rankings for every city in Louisiana
596,844 residents
169,389 residents
79,500 residents
66,798 residents
59,928 residents
44,783 residents
31,965 residents
31,569 residents
24,489 residents
22,468 residents
21,135 residents
14,862 residents
13,000 residents
79,506 residents
27,693 residents
11,658 residents
35,547 residents
13,855 residents
20,388 residents
334,903 residents
57,000 residents
192,378 residents
65,364 residents
No EPA water-system match yet — no score.
33,197 residents
No EPA water-system match yet — no score.
32,382 residents
No EPA water-system match yet — no score.
29,565 residents
No EPA water-system match yet — no score.
25,278 residents
No EPA water-system match yet — no score.
21,226 residents
No EPA water-system match yet — no score.
20,385 residents
No EPA water-system match yet — no score.
18,140 residents
No EPA water-system match yet — no score.
This state's water quality reflects local geographic conditions, industrial activities, and water infrastructure. Water quality can vary significantly between communities, with some areas enjoying excellent tap water while others face contamination challenges requiring treatment.
Across the 22 Louisiana cities graded from EPA records, the average water quality score is 91/100. 4 cities score below 70 (D or F) because of health-based violations, lead results, PFAS or historical readings near a limit. The highest-rated city is Baton Rouge with a score of 100/100, while Shreveport has the most room for improvement at 57/100.
4 of the 22 Louisiana cities we grade score below 70/100. If your city is one of them — or you just want extra protection — a certified filter is the fastest way to reduce exposure. The findings that drag a score down (lead, PFAS, arsenic, nitrate) are exactly the ones a basic carbon pitcher does not remove.
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Water sources typically include a combination of surface water (rivers, lakes, reservoirs) and groundwater. The specific sources serving your community depend on local geography and infrastructure. Check your local water utility's Consumer Confidence Report for details about your water source.
These contaminants have been detected in various Louisiana water systems
State environmental and health agencies oversee drinking water quality in compliance with federal EPA standards. Public water systems are required to test regularly and report results to residents through annual Consumer Confidence Reports.
Water quality concerns vary by location. Common issues include lead from older plumbing, agricultural runoff in rural areas, and industrial contamination near manufacturing sites. Check your local water quality report and consider testing if you have specific concerns.
Review your annual Consumer Confidence Report to understand local water quality. Consider having your water tested if you use a private well or have concerns about your plumbing. Water filters certified to remove specific contaminants can address most common water quality issues.
Most Louisiana cities we grade have tap water in good standing with EPA. With an average score of 91/100 across 22 graded cities, Louisiana generally has good water quality. However, water quality varies by utility, so check your specific city's report.
The most common water quality concerns in Louisiana include disinfection byproducts (chlorination), lead (older infrastructure), nitrates (agricultural areas). These contaminants can come from natural sources, industrial activities, or aging infrastructure. Review your city's specific report to see which contaminants affect your area.
Whether you need a water filter depends on your specific location and health concerns. With 4 Louisiana cities grading D or F on EPA records, residents in those areas may benefit from filtration. Look for filters certified by NSF/ANSI to remove the specific contaminants found in your area.
Public water systems in Louisiana are required to provide annual Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs) to residents. You can usually find your report on your water utility's website, request it by phone, or access it through the EPA's database. Our city-level reports above summarize key information from these official sources.
Lead can be present in Louisiana water, primarily from older plumbing infrastructure. Homes built before 1986 may have lead pipes or lead solder. While water treatment plants remove lead, it can leach into water from service lines and home plumbing. Check your city's specific report for lead testing data, and consider having your tap water tested if you live in an older home.
PFAS ("forever chemicals") have been detected in water systems across the United States, including in Louisiana. These chemicals are associated with industrial sites, military bases, and firefighting foam use. The EPA has set new PFAS limits effective 2024. Check individual Louisiana city reports for PFAS testing results in your area.
On EPA records, Baton Rouge has the highest water quality score in Louisiana at 100/100 (Grade A). However, "best" depends on your specific health concerns. View our Best Water Quality in Louisiana page for a complete ranking.
Public water systems in Louisiana are required by the EPA to test water regularly. Testing frequency depends on the contaminant: bacteria testing occurs daily to weekly, while chemical contaminants may be tested quarterly or annually. Results are published in annual Consumer Confidence Reports. Our site aggregates this data from EPA's SDWIS database.
Compare water quality across counties and find data for your area