Lake Charles

Lake Charles, LA receives a water quality score of 82/100 (Grade B) based on EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) compliance data for 9 public water systems serving the area.

Lake Charles's water quality is above the national average, with strong compliance records and low contaminant levels. Residents generally receive clean, safe tap water that meets EPA standards.

Lake Charles's score of 82 is 17 points above the Louisiana state average of 65, and above the nationwide average of roughly 78/100 across all U.S. states.

For residents of Lake Charles, a mid-size city in Louisiana's Gulf Coast region, drinking water is distributed across multiple local systems operating amidst wetlands, a river delta, and a prominent petrochemical industry. The city's water quality generally meets safety expectations with a satisfactory rating, though it falls short of a perfect grade, indicating some areas could be improved. For prospective homebuyers, this means the supply is generally reliable, but the surrounding industrial and wetland environment makes it worthwhile to stay informed about the specific system serving a home.

Water quality data is sourced from the U.S. EPA SDWIS database and updated quarterly. Learn about our scoring methodology → Read our Louisiana water quality rankings report →