Is Baton Rouge, LA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F — but Copper and Manganese were detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
43.2/100
waterverge.com Baton Rouge, LA — Water Quality Report
Baton Rouge's drinking water received a grade of F (43.2 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 14 water systems serve approximately 701,552 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. UCMR 5 testing detected 1 PFAS compound in the water supply.
The system has 90 violations on record, including 30 health-based violations. 37 remain unresolved.
What to know about Baton Rouge's water
Baton Rouge ranks #258 out of 309 cities in Louisiana for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Baton Rouge relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
PFAS compounds were detected in testing, though levels remain within current EPA limits. Residents seeking extra precaution may consider an activated carbon or reverse osmosis filter.
Hexavalent chromium (chromium-6) was detected at 0.54 µg/L in UCMR 3 testing. While below California's 10 µg/L limit and with no federal MCL set, residents sensitive to this contaminant may consider reverse osmosis filtration.
As a major metropolitan system serving over 702K residents, Baton Rouge faces large-scale infrastructure challenges including aging pipes and the complexity of treating water across a vast distribution network.
The system has seen 21 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Baton Rouge, LA water safe to drink?
Baton Rouge's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (43.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 14 water systems serve approximately 701,552 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Baton Rouge
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Detected at levels within current EPA limits. PFAS persist indefinitely in the environment.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Baton Rouge's water quality assessment. Grade: F (43.2/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Baton Rouge's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Detected but within current EPA limits. PFAS do not break down in the environment and can accumulate in the body over time. An activated carbon filter can reduce exposure.
Violation history
Baton Rouge's water system has 90 total violations on record, including 30 health-based violations. 37 remain unresolved. 21 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Baton Rouge's water come from?
Baton Rouge's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 14 water systems serving approximately 701,552 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Mississippi River At Baton Rouge (river), Comite River Near Baker (river), Comite River At Comite Dr Near Baton Rouge (river), Comite River At Hooper Road Near Baton Rouge (river), Comite River Near Comite (river).
What Baton Rouge residents can do
Recommended: Activated carbon or reverse osmosis filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Baton Rouge's water.
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Forever chemicals overview
National PFAS report →Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Baton Rouge
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Baton Rouge, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 796,353 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
EXXONMOBIL BATON ROUGE REFINERY (PART) BATON ROUGE, LA70805 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 557,459 | 3.8 mi |
SHELL CATALYST & TECHNOLOGIES PORT ALLEN, LA70767 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 124,531 | 6.1 mi |
EXXONMOBIL BATON ROUGE CHEMICAL PLANT (PART) BATON ROUGE, LA70805 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 109,681 | 4.3 mi |
PLACID REFINING CO LLC PORT ALLEN, LA70767 | Ammonia | 2,360 | 5.2 mi |
EXXON MOBIL CORP - BATON ROUGE RESIN FINISHING PLANT BATON ROUGE, LA70807 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 2,322 | 8.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Baton Rouge
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- CAPITOL LAKES3.4 mi
- DEVIL S SWAMP LAKE9.9 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtAcadia Parish is currently in D2 (severe drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Baton Rouge's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 2.40 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
| 11Cl-PF3OUdS | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| 4:2 FTS | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| 6:2 FTS 6:2 FTSPFAS A fluorotelomer sulfonate commonly found at sites contaminated with aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) used in firefighting. Health EffectsPotential liver toxicity and endocrine disruption. Less studied but identified as a contaminant of concern. EPA LimitNo individual MCL (not yet regulated) Common SourcesFirefighting foam (AFFF), airports, military bases, and industrial facilities. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| 8:2 FTS | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| 9Cl-PF3ONS | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| ADONA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| HFPO-DA HFPO-DA (GenX)PFAS A replacement for PFOA in manufacturing, marketed as safer but still a persistent "forever chemical." Also known as GenX. Health EffectsLiver and kidney effects, reproductive toxicity, immune system effects, and potential cancer risk. EPA Limit10 ppt MCL Common SourcesFluoropolymer manufacturing (used as PFOA replacement), industrial wastewater discharge. | ND | 0.01 | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| lithium LithiumInorganic A naturally occurring alkali metal found in groundwater. Monitored under UCMR 5 to assess occurrence in drinking water. Health EffectsKidney effects at high doses. Low-level exposure effects under study; some research suggests neurological effects. EPA LimitNo MCL (monitoring only under UCMR 5) Common SourcesNatural mineral deposits, geothermal water, and industrial discharge. | 45.600 | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Detected |
| NEtFOSAA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| NFDHA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| NMeFOSAA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFBA PFBAPFAS One of the shortest-chain PFAS compounds. Very mobile in water and difficult to remove with standard filtration. Health EffectsThyroid effects, potential developmental toxicity. Shorter half-life in body than long-chain PFAS. EPA LimitNo individual MCL (not yet regulated) Common SourcesDegradation of longer-chain PFAS, industrial discharge, and firefighting foam. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFBS PFBSPFAS A short-chain PFAS used as a replacement for PFOS. While it clears the body faster than long-chain PFAS, it still persists in the environment. Health EffectsThyroid effects, reproductive and developmental toxicity, kidney effects. EPA LimitPart of Hazard Index (1.0) Common SourcesIndustrial discharge, firefighting foam, and as a replacement chemical in manufacturing. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFDA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFDoA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFEESA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFHpA PFHpAPFAS A medium-chain PFAS compound found in various environmental samples. Less studied than PFOA/PFOS but still considered a contaminant of concern. Health EffectsLiver effects, potential developmental toxicity, and endocrine disruption. EPA LimitPart of Hazard Index (1.0) Common SourcesDegradation of longer-chain PFAS, industrial discharge, and contaminated water sources. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFHpS | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFHxA PFHxAPFAS A short-chain PFAS replacement chemical widely used after manufacturers phased out longer-chain PFAS. Very commonly detected in water. Health EffectsLiver and kidney effects, potential thyroid disruption. Considered less toxic than long-chain PFAS but still persistent. EPA LimitNo individual MCL (not yet regulated) Common SourcesIndustrial processes, firefighting foam (AFFF), food packaging, and textile treatment. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFHxS PFHxSPFAS A medium-chain PFAS found in firefighting foam and consumer products. It has a long half-life in the human body, similar to long-chain PFAS. Health EffectsImmune system effects, thyroid disruption, and potential reproductive and developmental harm. EPA LimitPart of Hazard Index (1.0) Common SourcesFirefighting foam (AFFF), waterproof textiles, food packaging, and industrial discharge. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFMBA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFMPA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFNA PFNAPFAS A long-chain PFAS compound used in manufacturing fluoropolymers. It bioaccumulates in the body and is very persistent in the environment. Health EffectsDevelopmental effects, liver toxicity, immune suppression, and potential cancer risk. EPA LimitPart of Hazard Index (1.0) Common SourcesFluoropolymer manufacturing, industrial emissions, and contaminated water sources. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFOA PFOAPFAS A long-chain PFAS ("forever chemical") once widely used in nonstick coatings and firefighting foam. It persists in the body and environment for years. Health EffectsLinked to kidney and testicular cancer, thyroid disease, elevated cholesterol, and reproductive issues. EPA Limit4.0 ppt MCL Common SourcesIndustrial discharge, firefighting foam (AFFF), nonstick cookware manufacturing, and contaminated groundwater. | ND | 0.004 | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFOS PFOSPFAS A long-chain PFAS compound historically used in stain-resistant coatings and firefighting foam. One of the most studied and persistent PFAS chemicals. Health EffectsLiver damage, immune system suppression, thyroid disruption, increased cholesterol, and potential cancer risk. EPA Limit4.0 ppt MCL Common SourcesFirefighting foam (AFFF), industrial sites, stain-resistant fabric treatments, and contaminated groundwater. | ND | 0.004 | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFPeA PFPeAPFAS A short-chain PFAS compound commonly detected in drinking water. One of the most frequently found PFAS in UCMR 5 monitoring. Health EffectsLess studied than PFOA/PFOS. Potential liver and thyroid effects. Research is ongoing. EPA LimitNo individual MCL (not yet regulated) Common SourcesIndustrial discharge, firefighting foam degradation, and consumer products. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFPeS | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFTA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFTrDA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFUnA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 2.400 mg/L (1994)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Baton Rouge compares by contaminant
Explore where Baton Rouge ranks among all Louisiana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Baton Rouge's water comes from
Baton Rouge's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by private ownership and serves approximately 701,552 people through 14 water systems.
Water bodies near Baton Rouge
Baton Rouge is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Baton Rouge
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BATON ROUGE WATER COMPANY | LA1033005 | 596,844 | GW |
| NEW IBERIA WATER SYSTEM (LAWCO) | LA1045009 | 59,928 | GW |
| CROWLEY WATER SYSTEM (LAWCO) | LA1001002 | 17,733 | GW |
| EUNICE WATER SYSTEM (LAWCO) | LA1097022 | 15,393 | GW |
| DEQUINCY WATER SYSTEM (LAWCO) | LA1019008 | 5,370 | GW |
| LAWCO MANSURA | LA1009010 | 1,878 | GWP |
| TOWN OF LECOMPTE (LAWCO) | LA1079014 | 1,527 | GW |
| ASCENSION PARISH WATER WORKS DISTRICT 2 | LA1005001 | 1,353 | GWP |
| NORTHWEST WATERWORKS LIN PARK | LA1017093 | 513 | SWP |
| NORTHWEST WATERWORKS LAKEWOOD VILLAGE | LA1017094 | 423 | SWP |
| CYPRESS VILLAGE MHP WATER SYSTEM | LA1015051 | 396 | GWP |
| CHAPMAN APARTMENTS | LA1103150 | 80 | GW |
| HILLCREST / SNEAD APARTMENTS | LA1103160 | 60 | GW |
| RIVERLANDS APARTMENTS | LA1005085 | 54 | GW |
How Baton Rouge compares
Full Louisiana rankings →Baton Rouge's score of 43.2/100 is below the average of 53/100 among major Louisiana cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Louisiana rankings →About Baton Rouge, LA
Wikipedia →Baton Rouge is the capital city of the U.S. state of Louisiana. It had a population of 227,470 at the 2020 United States census, making it Louisiana's second-most populous city. It is the seat of Louisiana's most populous parish, East Baton Rouge Parish, and the center of Louisiana's second-largest metropolitan area, Greater Baton Rouge, which had 870,569 residents in 2020.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Baton Rouge's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across East Baton Rouge Parish
Frequently asked questions
Is Baton Rouge, LA tap water safe to drink?
Baton Rouge's water quality earned a grade of F (43.2/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #258 out of 309 cities tested in Louisiana.
What contaminants are in Baton Rouge's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 1 PFAS compound was detected. 90 violations are on record.
How is Baton Rouge's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Baton Rouge?
PFAS compounds have been detected. A filter with activated carbon can help reduce exposure.
Where does Baton Rouge's water come from?
Baton Rouge's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 14 water systems serving approximately 701,552 residents.
What health violations has Baton Rouge's water system had?
Baton Rouge has 30 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 37 violations remain unresolved.
Is Baton Rouge's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Baton Rouge uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 90 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Baton Rouge's water compare to other cities?
Baton Rouge ranks #258 out of 309 cities in Louisiana (better than 17% of state cities) and #14593 out of 15744 cities nationally (7th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.