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.
EPA records for CITY OF MONROE WATER SYSTEM • Updated September 2026
Grade F — based on EPA compliance records, lead testing and PFAS monitoring
CITY OF MONROE WATER SYSTEM has serious issues in EPA's records: repeated health-based violations, unresolved violations, PFAS above the federal limit or lead near the action level. We recommend filtering drinking water.
Monroe, LA tap water is legal to drink but grades F on EPA's records, mainly because of 4 health-based EPA violations in the last five years and low-level PFAS (PFBA) detected below federal limits. A certified filter matched to those findings is a reasonable precaution.
Monroe, LA tap water is legal to drink but grades F on EPA's records, mainly because of 4 health-based EPA violations in the last five years and low-level PFAS (PFBA) detected below federal limits. A certified filter matched to those findings is a reasonable precaution.
CITY OF MONROE WATER SYSTEM's most recent Lead and Copper Rule result (2023-01-01 to 2025-12-31) was 0 ppb at the 90th percentile, below EPA's 15 ppb action level. Because lead usually comes from service lines and household plumbing, homes built before 1986 should still test at the tap.
Yes. EPA's UCMR5 sampling (2023-11-07 to 2024-08-15) detected PFBA, all below federal MCLs. Reverse osmosis and certified activated-carbon filters reduce PFAS.
CITY OF MONROE WATER SYSTEM has 6 violations on file since 2016: 4 health-based in the last five years and 0 monitoring or reporting violations in that window. Monitoring violations are paperwork lapses, not measured contamination.
CITY OF MONROE WATER SYSTEM reports surface water as its primary source and serves about 57,000 people (EPA PWSID LA1073031).
We recommend one. Check which contaminant the violations involved (table above) and choose a filter certified for it.
Compare filter options for your Monroe tap water
CITY OF MONROE WATER SYSTEM has 4 health-based EPA violations in the last five years.
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CITY OF MONROE WATER SYSTEM · SDWIS records since 2016 · 5-year window starts 2021-09-13
EPA records 4 health-based violations for this system in the last five years, all of which are marked resolved or archived. Health-based violations mean a contaminant exceeded its Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) or a required treatment step was not met.
| Violation | Category | Compliance period | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Treatment Technique (SWTR and GWR)Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment technique | 2026-01-01 → 2026-01-31 | Archived |
| Monthly Turbidity Exceed (Enhanced SWTR)Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment technique | 2026-01-01 → 2026-01-31 | Resolvedreturned 2026-01-31 |
| Single Turbidity Exceed (Enhanced SWTR)Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment technique | 2026-01-01 → 2026-01-31 | Archived |
| LSL InventoryLEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS | Treatment technique | 2024-10-17 | Resolvedreturned 2025-01-31 |
| Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, AverageTotal Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | MCL exceeded | 2019-07-01 → 2019-09-30 | Resolvedreturned 2019-09-30 |
| Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, AverageTotal Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | MCL exceeded | 2019-04-01 → 2019-06-30 | Resolvedreturned 2019-06-30 |
Source: ECHO SDWA bulk download (SDWA_VIOLATIONS_ENFORCEMENT.csv, SDWIS 2026Q2, file dated 2026-07-09, fetched 2026-09-13)
EPA Lead and Copper Rule 90th-percentile results reported by CITY OF MONROE WATER SYSTEM
Well below the 15 ppb action level. In the most recent monitoring period on file (2023-01-01 to 2025-12-31), 90% of the homes CITY OF MONROE WATER SYSTEM sampled had lead at or below 0 ppb.
EPA's action level is 15 ppb (dropping to 10 ppb under the 2024 Lead and Copper Rule Improvements). There is no safe level of lead; the 90th-percentile figure describes the system, not your tap — homes with lead service lines or pre-1986 plumbing can be higher.
| Monitoring period | Lead 90th percentile | vs 15 ppb action level |
|---|---|---|
| 2023-01-01 → 2025-12-31 | 0 ppb | Well below the 15 ppb action level |
| 2020-01-01 → 2022-12-31 | 2 ppb | Well below the 15 ppb action level |
| 2017-01-01 → 2019-12-31 | 3 ppb | Well below the 15 ppb action level |
| 2014-01-01 → 2016-12-31 | 2 ppb | Well below the 15 ppb action level |
| 2011-01-01 → 2013-12-31 | 4 ppb | Well below the 15 ppb action level |
| 2008-01-01 → 2010-12-31 | 2 ppb | Well below the 15 ppb action level |
| 2005-01-01 → 2007-12-31 | 3 ppb | Well below the 15 ppb action level |
| 2002-01-01 → 2004-12-31 | 2 ppb | Well below the 15 ppb action level |
| 1999-01-01 → 2001-12-31 | 1 ppb | Well below the 15 ppb action level |
| 1992-07-01 → 1992-12-31 | 3 ppb | Well below the 15 ppb action level |
| 1992-01-01 → 1992-06-30 | 5 ppb | Below the action level, but detectable |
Source: ECHO SDWA bulk download (SDWA_LCR_SAMPLES.csv, SDWIS 2026Q2, file dated 2026-07-09, fetched 2026-09-13)
EPA UCMR5 monitoring, 2023-11-07 to 2024-08-15 · 116 PFAS results at entry points to the distribution system
PFBA detected at low levels; no compound was at or above its federal MCL. Detections below the MCL are common in surface-water systems and are reported here exactly as EPA published them.
| Compound | Detects / samples | Max (ppt) | Reporting limit | EPA MCL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PFOA | 0 / 4 | < 4 | 4 ppt | 4 ppt |
| PFOS | 0 / 4 | < 4 | 4 ppt | 4 ppt |
| PFHxS | 0 / 4 | < 3 | 3 ppt | 10 ppt |
| PFNA | 0 / 4 | < 4 | 4 ppt | 10 ppt |
| HFPO-DA | 0 / 4 | < 5 | 5 ppt | 10 ppt |
| PFBS | 0 / 4 | < 3 | 3 ppt | hazard index only |
| PFBA | 2 / 4 | 8.2 | 5 ppt | hazard index only |
“< 4 ppt” means below the laboratory reporting limit, not zero. ppt = parts per trillion (ng/L). Results are for finished water leaving the treatment plant.
What PFAS are and how to remove them → · Best filters for PFAS →
Source: UCMR5 occurrence data, EPA Data Summary July 2026 (UCMR5_All.txt)
EPA Six-Year Review 4 compliance samples for CITY OF MONROE WATER SYSTEM · finished water only · dated data, released 2024
These are the regulated-contaminant samples CITY OF MONROE WATER SYSTEM reported to its state between 2012 and 2019 — the most recent nationwide sample-level dataset EPA has published. Total trihalomethanes (TTHM), Haloacetic acids (HAA5) are flagged below; the status column explains why. Treat this as history, not today's tap water.
| Contaminant | Samples | Average | Max | EPA limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arsenic | 84 detects | 0.485 µg/L | 1.2 µg/L | 10 µg/LMCL | Within MCL |
| Fluoride | 84 detects | 0.029 mg/L | 0.085 mg/L | 4 mg/LMCL | Within MCL |
| Chromium (total) | 80 detects | 0 µg/L | ND | 100 µg/LMCL | Not detected |
| Uranium (combined) | 60 detects | 0 µg/L | ND | 30 µg/LMCL | Not detected |
| Radium-226/228 | 40 detects | 0 pCi/L | ND | 5 pCi/LMCL | Not detected |
| Gross alpha | 40 detects | 0 pCi/L | ND | 15 pCi/LMCL | Not detected |
| Total trihalomethanes (TTHM) | 456 | 33.317 µg/L | 162.64 µg/L | 80 µg/LMCL (LRAA) | 9 single samples over MCL; average within limit |
| Haloacetic acids (HAA5) | 464456 detects | 29.909 µg/L | 120.4 µg/L | 60 µg/LMCL (LRAA) | 37 single samples over MCL; average within limit |
| Lead (tap samples) | 9432 detects | 1.074 µg/L | 20 µg/L | 15 µg/Laction level (90th percentile) | Reported, not scored (compliance is on the 90th percentile) |
| Copper (tap samples) | 9416 detects | 20.328 µg/L | 700 µg/L | 1300 µg/Laction level (90th percentile) | Reported, not scored (compliance is on the 90th percentile) |
Averages count non-detects as zero. TTHM and HAA5 limits are locational running annual averages, so a single high sample is not a violation — we grade those on the average only. Lead and copper rows are individual tap samples and are shown for context; compliance (and our score) uses the 90th-percentile result above. LRAA = locational running annual average; ND = not detected.
Source: SYR4 Six-Year Review compliance monitoring data 2012–2019 (released 2024-03)
A point-of-use (under-sink) system typically runs $200-$600 installed; whole-house treatment $1,000-$3,000+ depending on flow and what has to come out. Tell us where you are and a certified water-treatment installer serving Monroe will follow up - no obligation.
CITY OF MONROE WATER SYSTEM · 18,684 service lines inventoried · Q2 2026 snapshot
CITY OF MONROE WATER SYSTEM reports no confirmed lead service lines, but 18,676 lines (100%) have not yet been verified, so lead cannot be ruled out for those homes. Utilities must keep investigating unknown lines under EPA's Lead and Copper Rule Improvements.
Source: EPA SDWIS Service Line Inventory (Q2 2026) · PWS ID LA1073031 · See all Louisiana lead service lines. We may earn a commission from filters and test kits, at no extra cost to you.
Surface-water systems draw from rivers, lakes or reservoirs and must filter and disinfect, which is why disinfection byproducts (TTHM, HAA5) are the readings to watch.
How to test your tap water and the treatment options that actually fit Monroe homes
The most reliable way to know what is actually coming out of your tap is a certified mail-in lab test. City-wide EPA data (like the report above) reflects the water leaving the treatment plant, but contaminants such as lead and copper can be picked up from your own service line and household plumbing — so the water at your Monroe faucet can differ from the system average. A state-certified lab measures dozens of contaminants at once with results you can trust; you can also find one near you through the EPA's certified-lab list at epa.gov/dwlabcert. Hardware-store test strips are cheaper and instant, but they only screen for a few basics (chlorine, hardness, pH, and a rough lead pass/fail) and are far less accurate — treat them as a first look, not a diagnosis.
Match the treatment to what your test finds. Reverse osmosis (RO) removes the widest range of contaminants — lead, arsenic, nitrate, PFAS, and dissolved solids — which makes an under-sink reverse osmosis system the most thorough choice for Monroe households with heavy-metal or PFAS concerns. If your main issue is taste, odor, or chlorine, an activated carbon filter (pitcher, faucet, or under-sink) is simpler and cheaper and handles chlorine and many organic compounds well, though carbon alone does not remove arsenic, nitrate, or most PFAS. NSF-certified pitchers rated for lead reduction are the easiest way to start today while you decide on a permanent setup.
We may earn a commission from testing kits and filters purchased through these links, at no extra cost to you.
What Monroe residents measured at their own tap (ZIPs 71201, 71202, 71203, 71209 +1 more). All reader results →
Reader submissions are unverified and shown separately from EPA data. They reflect one tap on one day, not the utility's compliance record.
No reader results for Monroe yet - yours would be the first. A hardness or TDS number from a $10 strip kit is enough to start the map.
Help build the first reader-sourced water map. Enter whatever your test strip, TDS pen or lab report shows - one number is enough.
Monroe ranks #20 of 22 graded Louisiana cities.
Deep-dive guides for the specific contaminants EPA data flagged in Monroe's water, with removal options for each.
Monroe, LA tap water is legal to drink but grades F on EPA's records, mainly because of 4 health-based EPA violations in the last five years and low-level PFAS (PFBA) detected below federal limits. A certified filter matched to those findings is a reasonable precaution.
CITY OF MONROE WATER SYSTEM's most recent Lead and Copper Rule result (2023-01-01 to 2025-12-31) was 0 ppb at the 90th percentile, below EPA's 15 ppb action level. Because lead usually comes from service lines and household plumbing, homes built before 1986 should still test at the tap.
Yes. EPA's UCMR5 sampling (2023-11-07 to 2024-08-15) detected PFBA, all below federal MCLs. Reverse osmosis and certified activated-carbon filters reduce PFAS.
CITY OF MONROE WATER SYSTEM has 6 violations on file since 2016: 4 health-based in the last five years and 0 monitoring or reporting violations in that window. Monitoring violations are paperwork lapses, not measured contamination.
CITY OF MONROE WATER SYSTEM reports surface water as its primary source and serves about 57,000 people (EPA PWSID LA1073031).
We recommend one. Check which contaminant the violations involved (table above) and choose a filter certified for it.
CITY OF MONROE WATER SYSTEM has 4 health-based EPA violations in the last five years.
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For consistently poor water, a whole-home system filters every faucet, shower, and appliance — the permanent, install-once fix that goes beyond a single point-of-use filter.
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Based on contaminants detected in your water, these resources may be helpful:
Find the right filter for your Monroe water quality needs:
Tap water is one piece of the picture — our sister sites cover the rest for Monroe, LA.
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Understand your water better with our in-depth guides on contaminants, filtration, and water safety.