Is Colfax, LA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
36/100
waterverge.com Colfax, LA — Water Quality Report
Colfax's drinking water received a grade of F (36 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,896 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 4.5 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 45 violations on record, including 28 health-based violations. 28 remain unresolved.
What to know about Colfax's water
Colfax ranks #302 out of 309 cities in Louisiana for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Colfax 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.
The system has seen 18 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Colfax, LA water safe to drink?
Colfax's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (36/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,896 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Colfax
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Colfax's water quality assessment. Grade: F (36/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
4 health-based. Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Colfax's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Colfax's water system has 45 total violations on record, including 28 health-based violations. 28 remain unresolved. 18 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Colfax's water come from?
Colfax's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 3,896 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Nantachie Lake Near Aloha (lake), Nantachie Creek Near Aloha (river).
What Colfax residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Colfax'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Colfax
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Colfax, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 2,633 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
BRAME ENERGY CENTER LENA, LA71447 | Barium compounds (except for barium sulfate (CAS No. 7727-43-7)) | 2,633 | 8.4 mi |
BOISE CASCADE WOOD PRODUCTS ALEXANDRIA EWP LENA, LA71447 | — | — | 8.0 mi |
CHOPIN MILL CHOPIN, LA71447 | — | — | 9.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtGrant 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Colfax'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. | 4.5 | 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. | 2.30 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Colfax compares by contaminant
Explore where Colfax ranks among all Louisiana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Colfax's water comes from
Colfax'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 3,896 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Colfax
Colfax is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Colfax
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOWN OF COLFAX | LA1043002 | 2,552 | GW |
| ZONE 2 WATER SYSTEM INC. | LA1043001 | 1,344 | GW |
How Colfax compares
Full Louisiana rankings →Colfax's score of 36/100 is below the average of 53/100 among major Louisiana cities. It outscores 2 of 10 nearby cities. 8 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Louisiana rankings →About Colfax, LA
Wikipedia →Colfax is a town in and the parish seat of Grant Parish, Louisiana, United States, founded in 1869. Colfax is part of the Alexandria, Louisiana metropolitan area. The largely African American population of Colfax was 1,428 at the 2020 census. The town was the site of the 1873 Colfax massacre.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Colfax's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Grant Parish
Frequently asked questions
Is Colfax, LA tap water safe to drink?
Colfax's water quality earned a grade of F (36/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #302 out of 309 cities tested in Louisiana.
What contaminants are in Colfax's water?
Lead was measured at 4.5 ppb (90th percentile). 45 violations are on record.
How is Colfax'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 Colfax?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Colfax's water come from?
Colfax's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 3,896 residents.
What health violations has Colfax's water system had?
Colfax has 28 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 28 violations remain unresolved.
Is Colfax's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Colfax 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 45 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 Colfax's water compare to other cities?
Colfax ranks #302 out of 309 cities in Louisiana (better than 2% of state cities) and #15499 out of 15744 cities nationally (2th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.