Is Louisiana Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Water quality data for 15 cities across Louisiana. Find your city below.

Water quality in Louisiana varies significantly from city to city. Across 15 cities we track, hardness ranges from 40 PPM in Monroe to 180 PPM in Thibodaux, with a statewide average of 81 PPM. 1 of 15 cities have hard water above 120 PPM where a water softener provides measurable benefits.

6 Louisiana cities have forever chemicals (PFAS) above the EPA's 2024 limit of 4 parts per trillion: Kenner (32.44 ppt), Marrero (32.44 ppt), New Orleans (32.44 ppt), Metairie (32.44 ppt), New Orleans Downtown (32.44 ppt), and 1 more. A reverse osmosis system or NSF P473-certified filter can reduce PFAS to safe levels.

15
Cities
81
Avg Hardness (PPM)
180
Hardest City (PPM)

Complete Louisiana Guide

Statewide water quality overview, costs, and treatment recommendations.

Well Water in Louisiana

Testing, treatment, and common issues for private wells.

Hardest Water Rankings

Louisiana cities ranked by water hardness level.

City Comparisons

Thibodaux vs Monroe

Side-by-side water quality comparison.

Thibodaux vs Lafayette South

Side-by-side water quality comparison.

Lafayette South vs Baton Rouge

Side-by-side water quality comparison.

Louisiana Cities by Water Hardness

CityHardness (PPM)LevelPFAS (ppt)Source
Thibodaux 180 Very Hard 0 Bayou Lafourche + groundwater
Lafayette South 100 Moderately Hard 0 Chicot Aquifer
Baton Rouge 86 Moderately Hard 0 Southern Hills Aquifer
Kenner 85 Moderately Hard 32.44 Mississippi River
Marrero 85 Moderately Hard 32.44 Mississippi River
New Orleans 80 Moderately Hard 32.44 Mississippi River
Metairie 80 Moderately Hard 32.44 Mississippi River
Shreveport 79 Moderately Hard 6.43 Cross Lake
Houma 75 Moderately Hard 9.8 Bayou Lafourche & wells
Lake Charles 70 Moderately Hard 0 Calcasieu River & wells
Lafayette 65 Moderately Hard 0 Chicot Aquifer deep wells
New Orleans Downtown 65 Moderately Hard 32.44 Mississippi River
Slidell 60 Moderately Hard 0 Local wells
New Orleans Uptown 60 Moderately Hard 32.44 Mississippi River
Monroe 40 Slightly Hard 6.9 Ouachita River

Frequently Asked Questions About Louisiana Water

Is Louisiana tap water safe to drink?
Louisiana tap water meets EPA legal standards in most cities. 6 cities have PFAS levels above the EPA health advisory of 4 ppt. Water hardness is relatively low across the state. Check your specific city above for detailed data.
Do I need a water softener in Louisiana?
It depends on your city. Louisiana averages 81 PPM overall, but hardness varies significantly. 7% of cities exceed 120 PPM. Look up your city above to see if you need one.
Which Louisiana city has the hardest water?
Thibodaux has the hardest water in Louisiana at 180 PPM (10.5 GPG). Lafayette South is second at 100 PPM. See the full ranking.
What contaminants are in Louisiana water?
The most common concerns across Louisiana are chlorine and disinfection byproducts, and PFAS (forever chemicals) detected in 6 cities. Each city has different levels - check your city above for specific contaminant data.
How much does a water softener cost in Louisiana?
A whole-house water softener for a typical Louisiana home costs $800-$2,500 installed, depending on capacity and brand. At 81 PPM average hardness, most homes need a 32,000-48,000 grain system. Full cost breakdown.

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Guides

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Common Issues

Hard Water PFAS Lead Chlorine