New Orleans Drinking Water Quality
What's Really in Your Tap Water?
New Orleans tap water meets EPA standards, though there are a few things worth knowing. At just 97 ppm (5.7 gpg), the water is pleasantly soft. PFAS chemicals were detected but are within EPA limits. No violations have been recorded in the past 3 years.
Generally Safe
Minor compliance issues
5.7 GPG hardness
Lead
Lead data not available
Hardness
Moderate water
US Average: 100 ppm
Is New Orleans Tap Water Safe to Drink?
New Orleans tap water meets EPA health standards, with some contaminants worth monitoring.
14 contaminants were tested in New Orleans's water. 14 were detected — all within EPA limits.
Disinfectants — Chloramine is at 3.3 ppm — 83% of the EPA limit (4 ppm). Within legal limits, but elevated.
A disinfectant made from chlorine and ammonia, used as an alternative to chlorine. Lasts longer in the distribution system. Safe at regulated levels. Produces fewer disinfection byproducts than chlorine, but can be harmful to fish and dialysis patients.
→ Catalytic carbon filters or reverse osmosis can remove chloramine. Standard carbon filters are less effective.
PFAS "Forever Chemicals" — 5 PFAS compounds detected, all within current EPA limits. Highest: PFPeA at 8.8 ppt.
Inorganic Chemicals — 1 contaminant detected, all within EPA limits. Highest: Fluoride at 0.68 ppm (17% of EPA limit).
The data below shows test results from 1 water utility serving 0 people in the New Orleans area.
Based on publicly available data from Sewerage & Water Board of New Orleans 2024 Consumer Confidence Report (2024). Water quality can vary by location, building plumbing, and over time. This assessment reflects compliance with federal EPA standards and is not medical advice.
Do I Need a Water Filter?
PFAS chemicals were detected in New Orleans water, though within current EPA limits. An activated carbon or reverse osmosis filter can further reduce PFAS exposure.
How New Orleans Compares
Compared to 51 major US cities based on 2024 Consumer Confidence Report data
Lead (90th percentile)
National avg: 2.85 ppb
6 ppb
111% above average
Water Hardness
National avg: 127.2 ppm
97 ppm
24% softer than average
PFAS Contamination
Detected in 33% of major US cities
Detected
33% of cities have detectable PFAS
How Hard is New Orleans Water?
97 ppm
5.7 grains per gallon
Impact on Your Home
Shower
Minor dryness possible
Kitchen
Some water spots
Laundry
May need more detergent
Appliances
Minimal scale
Regional Comparison
Values in ppm (mg/L as CaCO₃)
Want to verify your home's exact hardness level? See our best water hardness test kits.
Range: 60–130 ppm
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?
According to the EPA, 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 and states there is no safe level of lead exposure.
Potential Health Effects
According to the CDC: developmental delays, learning difficulties, lower IQ, behavioral issues
According to the EPA: 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”
PFAS detected but within current EPA limits
+ 1 more PFAS compounds detected
PFAS are synthetic chemicals that don't break down in the environment. Levels are within current EPA maximum contaminant levels.
HAA5
45% of EPA limit
Range: 5–40 ppb
TTHMs
36% of EPA limit
Range: 12–54 ppb
Other Detected Contaminants
14 contaminants detected
| Contaminant | Your Water | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
TTHMs | 29 ppb Range: 12-54 Eastbank highest LRAA 29 ppb (range 13–54); Westbank highest LRAA 28 ppb (range 12–36) | 80 ppb | Safe 36% of limit |
HAA5 | 27 ppb Range: 5-40 Eastbank highest LRAA 23 ppb (range 5–37); Westbank highest LRAA 27 ppb (range 12–40) | 60 ppb | Safe 45% of limit |
3.3 ppm Highest RAA: Eastbank 3.3 ppm, Westbank 3.0 ppm | 4 ppm | Caution 83% of limit | |
0.68 ppm Range: 0.68-0.69 Added for dental health: Eastbank avg 0.68 ppm, Westbank avg 0.69 ppm | 4 ppm | Safe 17% of limit | |
Nitrate+Nitrite | 1.4 ppm Eastbank max 1.3 ppm, Westbank max 1.4 ppm | 10 ppm | Safe 14% of limit |
Atrazine | 0.11 ppb Eastbank max 0.072 ppb, Westbank max 0.11 ppb (well below MCL 3 ppb) | 3 ppb | Safe 4% of limit |
Gross Beta | 2.9 pCi/L Eastbank max 2.76 pCi/L, Westbank max 2.9 pCi/L | 50 pCi/L | Safe 6% of limit |
1 ppt Range: 0-4.1 CCR avg: Eastbank 0.8 ppt (max 4.0), Westbank 1.0 ppt (max 4.1). Annual avg well below MCL 4 ppt; individual samples approach MCL. Compliance deadline 2029. | 4 ppt 0 | Safe 25% of limit | |
1.1 ppt Range: 0-4.5 CCR avg: Eastbank 0.8 ppt (max 4.2), Westbank 1.1 ppt (max 4.5). Annual avg below MCL 4 ppt; Westbank max 4.5 ppt slightly exceeds MCL. Compliance deadline 2029. | 4 ppt 0 | Safe 28% of limit | |
0.5 ppt Range: 0-5.4 UCMR5: max 5.4 ppt at Eastbank; well below MCL 10 ppt | 10 ppt | Safe 5% of limit | |
PFBA | 6.94 ppt Range: 0-9.1 UCMR5 – 10/12 samples detected. No MCL. | N/A | Safe |
PFHxA | 3 ppt Range: 0-3 UCMR5 – 1/12 samples detected. No MCL. | N/A | Safe |
PFPeA | 8.8 ppt Range: 0-8.8 UCMR5 – 1/12 samples detected. No MCL. | N/A | Safe |
Lithium | 3.3 ppb Range: 0-14 UCMR5: Eastbank avg 3.3 µg/L (max 14.0), Westbank avg 2.9 µg/L (max 11.4). No MCL. | 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 maximum contaminant levels. The EPA recommends considering certified filtration.
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: Sewerage & Water Board of New Orleans 2024 Consumer Confidence Report (2024) • View report