Water Quality in New Orleans, LA: 1116 Violations - Grade B
Grade B · Score 77/100 · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-07-18
New Orleans's water is mostly safe. Minor violations exist but are primarily monitoring-related.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-07-18
Compliance records maintained by the EPA for New Orleans, LA log 1116 violations - accumulated reportable events drawn from every local utility in the SDWIS national tracking system.
Water Quality Map: New Orleans, LA
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in New Orleans
Water quality varies across New Orleans's 62 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 70112 | C | 64 | 18 | 8 | View report → |
| 70113 | C | 64 | 18 | 8 | View report → |
| 70114 | C | 64 | 18 | 8 | View report → |
| 70115 | C | 64 | 18 | 8 | View report → |
| 70116 | C | 64 | 18 | 8 | View report → |
| 70117 | C | 64 | 18 | 8 | View report → |
| 70118 | C | 64 | 18 | 8 | View report → |
| 70119 | C | 64 | 18 | 8 | View report → |
| 70121 | C | 64 | 18 | 8 | View report → |
| 70122 | C | 64 | 18 | 8 | View report → |
| 70123 | C | 64 | 18 | 8 | View report → |
| 70124 | C | 64 | 18 | 8 | View report → |
| 70125 | C | 64 | 18 | 8 | View report → |
| 70126 | C | 64 | 18 | 8 | View report → |
| 70127 | C | 64 | 18 | 8 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving New Orleans.
Water Quality Overview
New Orleans, Louisiana receives a water quality grade of B with an overall score of 77 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 5 water systems serving New Orleans have accumulated 1116 EPA violations, including 496 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 62 ZIP codes serving approximately 414,097 people.
What Grade B Means
A grade of B indicates good compliance with EPA drinking water standards. While not perfect, New Orleans'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 New Orleans water systems is 0.0050 mg/L - within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 75% of homes built before 1986, New Orleans 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 New Orleans
New Orleans is served by 5 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 414,097 people across 62 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 620 enforcement actions against water systems serving New Orleans. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in New Orleans
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
Contaminants Detected in New Orleans Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across New Orleans's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chlorite | Disinfection Byproducts | 1 mg/L | 434 | 62 | Yes |
| Fecal Coliform | Microbiological | N/A | 124 | 62 | Yes |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 124 | 62 | No |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 124 | 62 | No |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 124 | 62 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
Violation Trend Over Time
Year-by-year EPA violations recorded for water systems serving New Orleans:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 186 | 186 |
| 2022 | 248 | 248 |
| 2025 | 124 | 124 |
Violations have decreased from 186 in 2021 to 124 in 2025, indicating improving compliance.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 9 enforcement actions against water systems serving New Orleans. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-12-30 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-12-08 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-09-09 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-06-16 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-06-10 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-05-06 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-04-22 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-04-22 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-04-22 | State Order Extension |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-12-30.
New Orleans vs. Nearby Louisiana Cities
How New Orleans's water quality compares to similar cities in Louisiana:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Orleans | B | 1116 | 5 | 414,097 |
| Baton Rouge | A | 0 | 8 | 386,722 |
| Empire | D | 0 | 1 | 334,903 |
| Pilottown | D | 0 | 1 | 334,903 |
Recommended Water Filters for New Orleans
Based on contaminants detected in New Orleans's water supply, these filter types are recommended:
Reverse Osmosis (under-sink)
- Removes: Lead
- Effectiveness: 95-99%
- Cost range: $150–$500
- Certification: NSF/ANSI 58
- Recommended products:
- Waterdrop G3P800
- Aquasana AQ-5200
- Clearly Filtered Pitcher
Water Quality by ZIP Code in New Orleans
Water quality varies across New Orleans's ZIP codes. The table below shows the worst-scoring and best-scoring areas:
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 70112 | 64 | C | 18 | 8 |
| 70113 | 64 | C | 18 | 8 |
| 70114 | 64 | C | 18 | 8 |
| 70115 | 64 | C | 18 | 8 |
| 70116 | 64 | C | 18 | 8 |
| 70117 | 64 | C | 18 | 8 |
| 70118 | 64 | C | 18 | 8 |
| 70119 | 64 | C | 18 | 8 |
| 70121 | 64 | C | 18 | 8 |
| 70122 | 64 | C | 18 | 8 |
| 70195 | 85 | A | 18 | 8 |
| 70187 | 85 | A | 18 | 8 |
| 70172 | 85 | A | 18 | 8 |
| 70167 | 85 | A | 18 | 8 |
| 70166 | 85 | A | 18 | 8 |
Water quality scores in New Orleans range from 64 to 85 - a spread of 21 points. This variation means your specific ZIP code matters significantly.
Common Questions About New Orleans Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in New Orleans, Louisiana:
Is New Orleans water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. New Orleans's 5 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink New Orleans tap water? New Orleans's water receives a grade of B (77/100). There are 496 health-based violations - consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for New Orleans? Based on detected contaminants, a reverse osmosis (under-sink) filter is most recommended. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
New Orleans vs. Louisiana Average
Understanding how New Orleans 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 New Orleans.
ZIP Codes in New Orleans
New Orleans spans 62 ZIP codes. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 70112. 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.