Louisiana Water Quality Report
Tap water quality data for 7 cities in Louisiana, updated 2026.
US average: 100 ppm
5 of 7 cities violation-free
7 cities tested
7 water systems tracked
Cleanest Tap Water in Louisiana
Cities with the fewest water quality issues
Baton Rouge
580K served
E Jefferson Ww District 1
275K served
Lafayette
169K served
W Jefferson Ww District 2
140K served
Schriever
116K served
New Orleans Carrollton Ww
335K served
Shreveport
192K served
Most Water Quality Issues in Louisiana
Cities with the most violations and concerns
Water Hardness Across Louisiana
Not sure what your hardness means? Use our Water Hardness Calculator or find the best hardness test kits.
Louisiana Tap Water: What You Need to Know
Louisiana has 7 tracked water utilities serving approximately 1.8M residents. The average water hardness is 142 ppm (8.3 GPG), classified as Hard — above the national average of 100 ppm. Hardness ranges from 36 ppm in Baton Rouge to 403.5 ppm in New Orleans Carrollton Ww.
In the past 3 years, 2 of 7 cities in Louisiana have recorded water quality violations, totaling 42 violations (38 health-based). All 7 tested cities have lead levels below the EPA action level of 15 ppb.
With hard water on average, many Louisiana residents may notice mineral buildup on fixtures, dry skin, or stiff-feeling hair. A shower filter for hard water can help reduce chlorine exposure, while a water softener addresses the mineral buildup directly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Louisiana Water
Is tap water safe to drink in Louisiana?
Most tap water in Louisiana meets EPA standards, but 2 cities have recorded violations in the past 3 years (38 health-based). We recommend checking your specific city's report on TapWater.org and considering a home water test.
How hard is the water in Louisiana?
Louisiana's average water hardness is 142 ppm (8.3 GPG), classified as Hard. This is above the national average of 100 ppm. Hardness varies significantly by city — use our Water Hardness Calculator to check your specific area.
Which city in Louisiana has the cleanest tap water?
Based on EPA violation data, lead testing, and water quality metrics, Baton Rouge ranks as having the cleanest tap water in Louisiana. It has zero violations in the past 3 years and lead levels well below the EPA action level.
Which city in Louisiana has the most water quality issues?
Shreveport currently has the most water quality concerns in Louisiana, with 34 violations in the past 3 years. Residents should check their city's detailed water quality report and consider using a certified water filter.
Where does Louisiana get its water from?
The majority of Louisiana's water systems (71%) use surface water as their primary source. Surface water comes from rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. Each city's specific source can vary — check individual city reports for details.
All 7 Cities
Sorted by population served
Baton Rouge
Utility serves 580K
New Orleans Carrollton Ww
Utility serves 335K
E Jefferson Ww District 1
Utility serves 275K
Shreveport
Utility serves 192K
Lafayette
Utility serves 169K
W Jefferson Ww District 2
Utility serves 140K
Schriever
Utility serves 116K