Is Clarks, LA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C, with 14 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
63.2/100
waterverge.com Clarks, LA — Water Quality Report
Clarks's drinking water received a grade of C (63.2 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 906 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 17 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 14 remain unresolved.
What to know about Clarks's water
Clarks ranks #169 out of 309 cities in Louisiana for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Clarks 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, Clarks may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 6 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Clarks, LA water safe to drink?
Clarks's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C (63.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 906 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Clarks
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Clarks's water quality assessment. Grade: C (63.2/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
2 health-based. Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Clarks's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Clarks's water system has 17 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 14 remain unresolved. 6 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Clarks's water come from?
Clarks's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 906 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Castor Ck Nr Grayson (river).
What Clarks residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Clarks'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 droughtCaldwell 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Clarks compares by contaminant
Explore where Clarks ranks among all Louisiana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Clarks's water comes from
Clarks'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 906 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Clarks
Clarks is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Clarks
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CLARKS WATER SYSTEM | LA1021001 | 906 | GW |
How Clarks compares
Full Louisiana rankings →Clarks's score of 63.2/100 is above the average of 53/100 among major Louisiana cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Louisiana rankings →About Clarks, LA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Clarks's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Caldwell Parish
Frequently asked questions
Is Clarks, LA tap water safe to drink?
Clarks's water quality earned a grade of C (63.2/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #169 out of 309 cities tested in Louisiana.
What contaminants are in Clarks's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 17 violations are on record.
How is Clarks'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 Clarks?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Clarks's water come from?
Clarks's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 906 residents.
What health violations has Clarks's water system had?
Clarks has 6 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 14 violations remain unresolved.
Is Clarks's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Clarks 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 17 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 Clarks's water compare to other cities?
Clarks ranks #169 out of 309 cities in Louisiana (better than 45% of state cities) and #11789 out of 15744 cities nationally (25th percentile). The grade of C reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Clarks's small water system affect quality?
Clarks's system serves approximately 906 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 17 violations on record.