Water Quality in Lafayette, LA: No Violations - Grade A
Grade A · Score 89/100 · 15 water systems · Updated 2026-07-18
Lafayette's water meets all EPA standards with no health-based violations.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-07-18
Federal compliance data for Lafayette, LA: no violations across 15 monitored systems.
Water Quality Map: Lafayette, LA
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Lafayette
Water quality varies across Lafayette's 14 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 70506 | B | 75 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 70508 | B | 75 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 70501 | B | 80 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 70503 | B | 80 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 70507 | B | 80 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 70502 | A | 90 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 70505 | A | 90 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 70500 | A | 95 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 70504 | A | 95 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 70509 | A | 95 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 70593 | A | 95 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 70595 | A | 99 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 70596 | A | 99 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 70598 | A | 99 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Lafayette.
Water Quality Overview
Lafayette, Louisiana receives a water quality grade of A with an overall score of 89 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
No EPA violations have been recorded for the 15 water systems serving Lafayette. 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 A Means
A grade of A indicates excellent compliance with EPA drinking water standards. Lafayette's water systems have maintained strong performance in both contaminant monitoring and regulatory compliance.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Lafayette water systems is 0.0020 mg/L - within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 57% of homes built before 1986, Lafayette 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.
Water Systems Serving Lafayette
Lafayette is served by 15 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 155,968 people across 14 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
The EPA has taken 52 enforcement actions against water systems serving Lafayette. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Lafayette
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
Violation Trend Over Time
Year-by-year EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Lafayette:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1 | 1 |
| 2022 | 1 | 1 |
| 2023 | 2 | 2 |
Violations have increased from 1 in 2021 to 2 in 2023. This trend warrants monitoring.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 22 enforcement actions against water systems serving Lafayette. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-12-30 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-11-13 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-06-24 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-06-16 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-05-06 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-01-03 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-11-18 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-11-18 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2024-04-25 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-04-23 | State Informal Action |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-12-30.
Lafayette vs. Nearby Louisiana Cities
How Lafayette's water quality compares to similar cities in Louisiana:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lafayette | A | 0 | 15 | 155,968 |
| Metairie | D | 0 | 1 | 137,417 |
| Lake Charles | A | 0 | 7 | 135,457 |
| Shreveport | C | 1225 | 12 | 209,795 |
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Lafayette
Water quality varies across Lafayette's ZIP codes. The table below shows the worst-scoring and best-scoring areas:
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 70506 | 75 | B | 0 | 0 |
| 70508 | 75 | B | 0 | 0 |
| 70501 | 80 | B | 0 | 0 |
| 70503 | 80 | B | 0 | 0 |
| 70507 | 80 | B | 0 | 0 |
| 70502 | 90 | A | 0 | 0 |
| 70505 | 90 | A | 0 | 0 |
| 70500 | 95 | A | 0 | 0 |
| 70504 | 95 | A | 0 | 0 |
| 70509 | 95 | A | 0 | 0 |
| 70598 | 99 | A | 0 | 0 |
| 70596 | 99 | A | 0 | 0 |
| 70595 | 99 | A | 0 | 0 |
| 70593 | 95 | A | 0 | 0 |
| 70509 | 95 | A | 0 | 0 |
Water quality scores in Lafayette range from 75 to 99 - a spread of 24 points. This variation means your specific ZIP code matters significantly.
Common Questions About Lafayette Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Lafayette, Louisiana:
Is Lafayette water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Lafayette's 15 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Lafayette tap water? Lafayette's water receives a grade of A (89/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Lafayette? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Lafayette vs. Louisiana Average
Understanding how Lafayette 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 Lafayette.
ZIP Codes in Lafayette
Lafayette spans 14 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 A 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.