Water Quality in Baton Rouge, LA: No Violations — Grade B
Grade B · Score 80/100 · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Baton Rouge's water is mostly safe. Minor violations exist but are primarily monitoring-related.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Baton Rouge, LA has zero reported violations — 5 water systems, all compliant.
Water Quality Map: Baton Rouge, LA
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Baton Rouge
Water quality varies across Baton Rouge's 42 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 70805 | B | 75 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 70809 | B | 75 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 70814 | B | 75 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 70815 | B | 75 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 70816 | B | 75 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 70817 | B | 75 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 70818 | B | 75 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 70819 | B | 75 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 70802 | B | 80 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 70808 | B | 80 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 70810 | B | 80 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 70811 | B | 80 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 70812 | B | 80 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 70820 | B | 80 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 70806 | A | 85 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Baton Rouge, Louisiana receives a water quality grade of B with an overall score of 80 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
No EPA violations have been recorded for the 5 water systems serving Baton Rouge. This is a positive indicator, though it does not guarantee the absence of all contaminants — some substances (like PFAS) are not yet fully regulated.
What Grade B Means
A grade of B indicates good compliance with EPA drinking water standards. While not perfect, Baton Rouge's water systems meet the vast majority of federal requirements. Minor violations may exist but typically relate to monitoring or reporting rather than health-based standards.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Baton Rouge water systems is 0.0010 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 55% of homes built before 1986, Baton Rouge has a higher-than-average risk of lead from older plumbing. Lead solder was banned in 1986, and homes built before this date may have lead in pipes, solder joints, or fixtures.
Radon Risk
Baton Rouge is in EPA Radon Zone 1 (High risk). The EPA recommends all homes in Zone 1 areas be tested for radon. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.
Water Systems Serving Baton Rouge
Baton Rouge is served by 5 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 695,268 people across 42 ZIP codes.
Each water system is identified by a Public Water System ID (PWSID) and is required to:
- Test for over 90 regulated contaminants on a regular schedule
- Report results to the EPA and state regulators
- Issue an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to all customers
- Take corrective action when violations occur
How to Check Your Water in Baton Rouge
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores
Request your CCR — your water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results for all monitored contaminants
Get a home test — certified kits cost $20–$50 and test for lead, bacteria, and common contaminants. Professional lab tests ($150–$400) cover a broader panel
Consider filtration — NSF-certified filters can remove specific contaminants. Reverse osmosis removes the broadest range; activated carbon is effective for chlorine and many organics
Check for advisories — monitor your local utility website and local news for boil water advisories or system alerts
Baton Rouge vs. Nearby Louisiana Cities
How Baton Rouge's water quality compares to similar cities in Louisiana:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baton Rouge | B | 0 | 5 | 695,268 |
| Brusly | D | 0 | 1 | 596,844 |
| New Orleans | C | 1116 | 4 | 387,921 |
| Harvey | D | 0 | 2 | 351,929 |
Recommended Water Filters for Baton Rouge
Based on contaminants detected in Baton Rouge's water supply, these filter types are recommended:
Ion Exchange Water Softener (POE)
- Removes: Combined Radium (-226 & -228)
- Effectiveness: 90-97%
- Cost range: $500–$2500
- Certification: NSF/ANSI 44
- Recommended products:
- Waterdrop G3P800
- Fleck 5600SXT Softener
Granular Activated Carbon (GAC, whole-house or under-sink)
- Removes: Chloramines
- Effectiveness: 95-99%
- Cost range: $100–$600
- Certification: NSF/ANSI 42
- Recommended products:
- Aquasana AQ-5200
- Waterdrop Chubby Pitcher
- Berkey Travel
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Baton Rouge
Water quality varies across Baton Rouge's ZIP codes. The table below shows the worst-scoring and best-scoring areas:
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 70805 | 75 | B | 0 | 0 |
| 70809 | 75 | B | 0 | 0 |
| 70814 | 75 | B | 0 | 0 |
| 70815 | 75 | B | 0 | 0 |
| 70816 | 75 | B | 0 | 0 |
| 70817 | 75 | B | 0 | 0 |
| 70818 | 75 | B | 0 | 0 |
| 70819 | 75 | B | 0 | 0 |
| 70802 | 80 | B | 0 | 0 |
| 70808 | 80 | B | 0 | 0 |
| 70894 | 99 | A | 0 | 0 |
| 70891 | 99 | A | 0 | 0 |
| 70873 | 99 | A | 0 | 0 |
| 70837 | 99 | A | 0 | 0 |
| 70835 | 99 | A | 0 | 0 |
Water quality scores in Baton Rouge range from 75 to 99 — a spread of 24 points. This variation means your specific ZIP code matters significantly.
Common Questions About Baton Rouge Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Baton Rouge, Louisiana:
Is Baton Rouge water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Baton Rouge's 5 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Baton Rouge tap water? Baton Rouge's water receives a grade of B (80/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Baton Rouge? Based on detected contaminants, a ion exchange water softener (poe) filter is most recommended. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Baton Rouge vs. Louisiana Average
Understanding how Baton Rouge compares to the broader Louisiana average helps contextualize your local water quality. Factors like water source, treatment methods, and infrastructure age all contribute to differences between cities in the same state.
To see how individual neighborhoods compare, check the ZIP code reports below — water quality can vary significantly even within Baton Rouge.
ZIP Codes in Baton Rouge
Baton Rouge spans 42 ZIP codes. Each ZIP code has its own water quality profile based on the specific water system serving that area. Check each ZIP code for detailed contaminant data, violation history, and system information.
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
- Enforcement: EPA ECHO database
- Filter recommendations: NSF/ANSI certified products
Updated daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your Water is Safe — Here's How to Keep It That Way
Grade B is excellent news. Here's what proactive homeowners do to maintain water quality:
Annual Water Testing
EPA recommends annual testing even with clean water. Home test kits: $20-$50. Catches changes before they become problems.
Maintenance Filtration
A basic carbon filter removes chlorine taste and catches emerging contaminants like PFAS that aren't yet fully regulated.
Plumbing Check
Even safe city water picks up lead from home pipes. If your home was built before 1986, a one-time pipe inspection is recommended.