New Orleans
Is New Orleans tap water safe to drink?
Use extra caution — New Orleans scores 60/100. This report aggregates EPA drinking water data across 2 local systems in New Orleans. We found 0 total violations (0 unresolved).
Real-Time Environment
Live: 04:30 PM☀️ No active precipitation. Rainfall can impact surface water turbidity and pollutant runoff in New Orleans.
Water Quality Impact
🛡️ Home Water Treatment Needs
Should you invest in filtration or softening for your home in New Orleans?
Expert Advice
Given the safety margin, a Carbon Block or sediment filter is recommended to improve taste and remove trace particulates.
Buying a Filter?
Filter or no filter for New Orleans water? Here's what the data says.
Baby Formula Safety
What new parents in New Orleans should know about tap water safety.
Homebuyer's Perspective
Water quality is easy to overlook when evaluating a move to New Orleans, but it can affect plumbing longevity and appliance lifespan. With a score of 60/100, we recommend budgeting for high-quality point-of-entry filtration systems to protect your home's value.
Health & Family Safety
Residents should monitor Chromium (Total) levels. Pregnant women and families with young children should consult the specific EPA health goals listed below.
View Health Risk Glossary →Compliance Record for New Orleans
Based on EPA SDWIS violation records and contaminant test results for all water systems serving New Orleans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is New Orleans tap water safe to drink?
Use extra caution — New Orleans scores 60/100.
How many water systems serve New Orleans?
New Orleans is served by 2 public water systems in our latest EPA-backed dataset.
How can I check water quality for my exact address in New Orleans?
Use the WaterQ search tool to look up your ZIP code and view nearby systems, contaminant levels, and recent violations for New Orleans.
What is the water quality score for New Orleans?
The water quality score for New Orleans is 60 out of 100, based on EPA contaminant data, violation history, and testing results for all serving water systems.
What are the top contaminants in New Orleans?
The top contaminants detected in New Orleans include Chromium (Total), Turbidity, Atrazine. View detailed information on our contaminants page.
New Orleans Water Quality Summary
New Orleans, LA receives a water quality score of 60/100 (Grade C) based on EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) compliance data for 2 public water systems serving the area.
New Orleans's water quality is near the national average. While most systems meet EPA standards, some violations have been recorded. Residents may wish to review their specific water system's report for contaminant details.
New Orleans's score of 60 is 6 points below the Louisiana state average of 66, and below the nationwide average of roughly 78/100 across all U.S. states.
As a large city located in the Louisiana river delta and wetlands, New Orleans relies on water systems that are situated near the Gulf Coast's active petrochemical industry. For current residents and prospective homebuyers, this regional backdrop means that the municipal tap water quality is average, reflecting the environmental challenges of the surrounding area. While the water meets baseline requirements, individuals may want to consider home water treatment options to address concerns stemming from the delta's unique landscape and industrial footprint.
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 →
Key Contaminants
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Water Systems Serving New Orleans (2)
Check Your Specific Address
Water quality can vary by neighborhood in New Orleans.
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Compare New Orleans water quality: View all states · Contaminant library · How we score water quality