Is Chatham, LA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 23 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
47/100
waterverge.com Chatham, LA — Water Quality Report
Chatham's drinking water received a grade of D (47 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,337 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 104 violations on record, including 64 health-based violations. 23 remain unresolved.
What to know about Chatham's water
Chatham ranks #221 out of 309 cities in Louisiana for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Chatham 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.
As a small community water system, Chatham may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 14 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Chatham, LA water safe to drink?
Chatham's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (47/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,337 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Chatham
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Chatham's water quality assessment. Grade: D (47/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
6 health-based. Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Chatham's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Chatham's water system has 104 total violations on record, including 64 health-based violations. 23 remain unresolved. 14 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Chatham's water come from?
Chatham's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,337 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Chatham residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Chatham'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 ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtJackson Parish is currently in D3 (extreme 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.
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. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Chatham compares by contaminant
Explore where Chatham ranks among all Louisiana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Chatham's water comes from
Chatham'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 local government ownership and serves approximately 2,337 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Chatham
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHATHAM WATER SYSTEM | LA1049004 | 1,557 | GW |
| EBENEZER WATER SYSTEM | LA1049026 | 780 | GW |
How Chatham compares
Full Louisiana rankings →Chatham's score of 47/100 is below the average of 53/100 among major Louisiana cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Louisiana rankings →About Chatham, LA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Chatham's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Jackson Parish
Frequently asked questions
Is Chatham, LA tap water safe to drink?
Chatham's water quality earned a grade of D (47/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #221 out of 309 cities tested in Louisiana.
What contaminants are in Chatham's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 104 violations are on record.
How is Chatham'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 Chatham?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Chatham's water come from?
Chatham's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,337 residents.
What health violations has Chatham's water system had?
Chatham has 64 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 23 violations remain unresolved.
Is Chatham's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Chatham 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 104 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 Chatham's water compare to other cities?
Chatham ranks #221 out of 309 cities in Louisiana (better than 28% of state cities) and #13740 out of 15744 cities nationally (13th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.