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Not health advice. Contact your local water utility for concerns.
Data from EPA Water Quality Reports. For official information, contact your water utility or health department.
Water quality data for 1 cities serving 334,903 residents
Orleans County in Louisiana has an average water quality score of 58/100 (Grade F) based on analysis of 1 municipal water systems. The county's water systems serve approximately 334,903 residents.
Orleans County shows below-average water quality scores that warrant attention. 1 of 1 cities have concerning water quality scores. Residents in affected areas should consider water filtration options. New Orleans has the best water quality in the county at 58/100.
1 cities ranked by water quality score
| Rank | City | Score | Grade | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Orleans Biggest deduction: 1 health-based violation (MCL/treatment-technique) in the last 5 years (−10 pts) | 58 | F | 334,903 |
Real EPA readings across county water systems (lead: latest 90th percentile; PFAS: UCMR5 2023–2026; others: 2012–2019 averages)
| Contaminant | Avg Level | Max Level | EPA Limit | % of Limit | Cities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PFAS (PFOA/PFOS max, UCMR5) | 4.2 ppt | 4.2 ppt | 4 ppt | 105% | 1 |
| Lead (90th percentile) | 6 ppb | 6 ppb | 15 ppb | 40% | 1 |
| HAA5 (2012–2019 avg) | 18.967 ug/L | 18.967 ug/L | 60 ug/L | 31.6% | 1 |
| TTHM (2012–2019 avg) | 23.169 ug/L | 23.169 ug/L | 80 ug/L | 29% | 1 |
| Fluoride (2012–2019 avg) | 0.606 mg/L | 0.606 mg/L | 4 mg/L | 15.2% | 1 |
| Radium (2012–2019 avg) | 0.349 pCi/L | 0.349 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L | 7% | 1 |
| Uranium (2012–2019 avg) | 0.978 ug/L | 0.978 ug/L | 30 ug/L | 3.3% | 1 |
| Arsenic (2012–2019 avg) | 0.216 ug/L | 0.216 ug/L | 10 ug/L | 2.2% | 1 |
Recent violations across county water systems
Health-based: Treatment technique — Monthly Turbidity Exceed (Enhanced SWTR) - Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule
12/31/2024
Monitoring & reporting — Monitoring, Turbidity (Enhanced SWTR) - Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule
2/29/2016
Water quality in Orleans County, Louisiana reflects the region's unique combination of water sources, treatment infrastructure, and environmental factors. Our comprehensive analysis examines 1 municipal water systems serving a combined population of over 334,903 residents.
The county shows variable water quality performance, with scores ranging from 58/100 in New Orleans to 58/100 in New Orleans. This 0-point spread indicates relatively consistent water quality standards across municipal systems.
The most prevalent contaminants detected across Orleans County water systems include PFAS (PFOA/PFOS max, UCMR5), Lead (90th percentile), HAA5 (2012–2019 avg). At least one reading averages above 50% of its EPA limit across the county's systems, worth attention from residents and utilities.
Given the water quality challenges in Orleans County, we recommend that residents invest in water filtration systems. Reverse osmosis systems provide the most comprehensive protection, though activated carbon filters can address many common contaminants. Review your city's specific contaminant profile to select appropriate filtration.
Orleans County has an average water quality score of 58/100 (Grade F) based on analysis of 1 municipal water systems serving 334,903 residents.
New Orleans has the highest water quality score in Orleans County at 58/100. View the detailed report for New Orleans.
Given the water quality variation across Orleans County, we recommend reviewing your specific city's water quality report. 1 cities have scores below 70, where filtration is particularly recommended.
Click on any city in the rankings table above to view its detailed water quality report, including contaminant levels, EPA compliance history, and filter recommendations.