Louisiana Water Quality Overview
Louisiana's drinking water comes from a mix of surface water sources â primarily the Mississippi River and Red River â and groundwater aquifers. The state faces unique water quality challenges including industrial runoff from the "Chemical Corridor" between Baton Rouge and New Orleans, aging infrastructure in major cities, and PFAS contamination from industrial and military sources.
Louisiana's water utilities are regulated by the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) and must comply with EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards. However, EWG data shows many Louisiana utilities have contaminants detected above health guidelines.
Louisiana Cities
Shreveport
Pop. ~187,000 | Water source: Red River
Active citywide boil advisory since March 2, 2026. Manganese spike in 2024. PFAS detected. Aging infrastructure under state order.
View Shreveport Report âNew Orleans
Pop. ~380,000 | Water source: Mississippi River
Report coming soon. Known issues: lead from aging pipes in historic neighborhoods, disinfection byproducts, industrial upstream contamination.
Coming SoonBaton Rouge
Pop. ~220,000 | Water source: Mississippi River
Report coming soon. Located in the industrial corridor with elevated PFAS and industrial chemical concerns.
Coming SoonLafayette
Pop. ~120,000 | Water source: Bayou Teche / groundwater
Report coming soon.
Coming SoonLouisiana Water Quality Concerns
- â ī¸ PFAS: Areas around Shreveport, Baton Rouge, and military installations show elevated PFAS in groundwater and surface water
- â ī¸ Industrial Corridor: The stretch between Baton Rouge and New Orleans has industrial discharge concerns affecting Mississippi River source water
- â ī¸ Lead: Aging infrastructure in New Orleans, Shreveport, and other older cities creates lead pipe risk
- â ī¸ Disinfection byproducts: High organic matter in surface water (Mississippi, Red River) means more THMs and HAAs form during treatment
- â ī¸ Manganese: Shreveport experienced a major manganese spike in 2024 (10Ã EPA guideline). Other cities with similar water chemistry may be at risk.
Best Filters for Louisiana Water
Given Louisiana's water quality profile â high organic load in surface water leading to disinfection byproducts, PFAS concerns, and aging infrastructure â a reverse osmosis system is the best long-term solution for Louisiana residents.
Under-Sink RO (Best Overall)
Removes DBPs, PFAS, lead, manganese, and a broad range of dissolved contaminants when certified and maintained. Best solution for Louisiana water.
APEC ROES-50 (~$200) âWhole House Filter (For Showering)
Reduces chlorine and DBPs from shower exposure â important given Louisiana's high DBP levels in source water.
Aquasana Whole House (~$800) â