New Orleans Drinking Water Quality
What's Really in Your Tap Water?
New Orleans tap water has notable issues that residents should consider. PFAS "forever chemicals" exceed EPA limits — a water filter is strongly recommended. No violations have been recorded in the past 3 years.
Action Needed
Quality issues detected
Lead
Lead data not available
Hardness
Hardness data not available
Is New Orleans Tap Water Safe to Drink?
New Orleans tap water has significant quality concerns that may require action.
6 contaminants were tested in New Orleans's water. 6 were detected, and 2 exceed EPA limits.
PFAS "Forever Chemicals" — PFOS at 4.2 ppt (EPA limit: 4 ppt), PFOA at 4.1 ppt (EPA limit: 4 ppt) — exceed the EPA safety limit. 4 other PFAS compounds were also detected within limits.
A man-made "forever chemical" formerly used in Scotchgard, firefighting foam, and industrial processes. Associated with increased cholesterol, thyroid disease, immune system suppression, and certain cancers.
→ A reverse osmosis (RO) or NSF-certified activated carbon filter can reduce PFOS by 90% or more.
The data below shows test results from 1 water utility serving 0 people in the New Orleans area.
Do I Need a Water Filter?
New Orleans has PFAS levels exceeding EPA limits. A reverse osmosis (RO) filter or NSF-certified activated carbon filter is recommended to reduce PFAS in your drinking water.
How Hard is New Orleans Water?
Water hardness data is not currently available for New Orleans.
Contact your local water utility for this information.
Your pipes tell a different story
The data above shows what leaves the treatment plant—not what comes out of your faucet. Old pipes, lead solder, and building plumbing can add contaminants the city never tests for. Know exactly what's in your New Orleans tap water.
Home test kits detect lead, bacteria, pesticides, and 100+ other contaminants. Results in 5-10 business days from certified labs.
Lead & Contaminants
Understanding lead levels and water quality violations in New Orleans
Lead Test Results
Lead testing data is currently unavailable for New Orleans. Contact your local water utility for the most recent test results.
About Lead in Drinking Water
What is Lead in Water?
Lead is a toxic metal that can dissolve into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. It's invisible, tasteless, and odorless, making testing the only way to detect it. The EPA has set an action level of 15 ppb, though they emphasize there is no safe level of lead exposure.
Potential Health Effects
Developmental delays, learning difficulties, lower IQ, behavioral issues
High blood pressure, kidney damage, reproductive issues
How to Reduce Exposure
- •Run water for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before drinking, especially in the morning
- •Use cold water for cooking and drinking (hot water dissolves more lead)
- •Install a NSF-certified filter designed to remove lead
- •Test your water, especially if your home was built before 1986
PFAS “Forever Chemicals”
2 PFAS chemicals exceed EPA limits
+ 2 more PFAS compounds detected
PFAS are synthetic chemicals that don't break down in the environment. A reverse osmosis or activated carbon filter can reduce PFAS levels.
Other Detected Contaminants
6 contaminants detected
| Contaminant | Your Water | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
HFPO-DA (GenX) | 5.4 ppt Range: 0-5.4 UCMR5 - 1/12 samples detected | 10 ppt Goal: 10 ppt | Caution 54% of limit |
PFBA | 6.94 ppt Range: 0-9.1 UCMR5 - 10/12 samples detected | N/A | Safe |
PFHXA | 3 ppt Range: 0-3 UCMR5 - 1/12 samples detected | N/A | Safe |
PFOA | 4.1 ppt Range: 0-4.1 UCMR5 - 2/12 samples detected - Max 4.1 ppt exceeds EPA MCL of 4 ppt | 4 ppt 0 | Exceeds 102% of limit |
PFOS | 4.2 ppt Range: 0-4.2 UCMR5 - 2/12 samples detected - Max 4.2 ppt exceeds EPA MCL of 4 ppt | 4 ppt 0 | Exceeds 105% of limit |
PFPEA | 8.8 ppt Range: 0-8.8 UCMR5 - 1/12 samples detected | N/A | Safe |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA legal limit)
EPA Compliance History
Excellent Record
No violations in past 3 yearsThis utility has maintained full EPA compliance. No action needed, but regular home testing is still recommended.
3-Year Violation Summary
0
Total Violations
0
Health-Related
0
Administrative
Health-Related Violations
Contaminant exceeded EPA safety limits. May require filter or alternative water source.
Administrative Violations
Missed testing deadlines or reporting. Does not indicate water quality issues.
Who Provides New Orleans's Water?
Utility Name
Sewerage & Water Board of New Orleans
EPA System ID (PWSID)
LA1260010
Population Served
0
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about New Orleans tap water quality
Nearby Cities in LA
Baton Rouge
Soft water
New Orleans Carrollton Ww
Very Hard water
E Jefferson Ww District 1
Hard water
Shreveport
Soft water
Lafayette
Moderate water
W Jefferson Ww District 2
Hard water
This data is for informational purposes only. Water quality can vary by neighborhood and building. For official reports, contact your local water utility or the EPA. Learn about our methodology
Data source: TODO: Add from CCR ()