Is Columbia, LA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
47/100
waterverge.com Columbia, LA — Water Quality Report
Columbia's drinking water received a grade of D (47 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 8,787 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.8 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 78 violations on record, including 37 health-based violations. 15 remain unresolved.
What to know about Columbia's water
Columbia ranks #216 out of 309 cities in Louisiana for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Columbia 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 11 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Columbia, LA water safe to drink?
Columbia'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 4 water systems serve approximately 8,787 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Columbia
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Columbia's water quality assessment. Grade: D (47/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Columbia'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
Columbia's water system has 78 total violations on record, including 37 health-based violations. 15 remain unresolved. 11 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Columbia's water come from?
Columbia's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 8,787 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Bayou Lafourche At Hwy 847 East Of Cane Hill (river), Castor Ck Nr Grayson (river).
What Columbia residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Columbia'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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Columbia'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. | 2.8 | 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. | 1.40 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Columbia compares by contaminant
Explore where Columbia ranks among all Louisiana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Columbia's water comes from
Columbia'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 8,787 people through 4 water systems.
Water bodies near Columbia
Columbia is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Columbia
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HEBERT WATER SYSTEM | LA1021006 | 3,048 | GW |
| EAST COLUMBIA WATER SYSTEM | LA1021004 | 2,829 | GW |
| COLUMBIA HEIGHTS WATER DISTRICT | LA1021003 | 1,965 | GW |
| COLUMBIA WATER SYSTEM | LA1021002 | 945 | GW |
How Columbia compares
Full Louisiana rankings →Columbia'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 Columbia, LA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Columbia's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Caldwell Parish
Frequently asked questions
Is Columbia, LA tap water safe to drink?
Columbia's water quality earned a grade of D (47/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #216 out of 309 cities tested in Louisiana.
What contaminants are in Columbia's water?
Lead was measured at 2.8 ppb (90th percentile). 78 violations are on record.
How is Columbia'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 Columbia?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Columbia's water come from?
Columbia's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 8,787 residents.
What health violations has Columbia's water system had?
Columbia has 37 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 15 violations remain unresolved.
Is Columbia's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Columbia 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 78 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 Columbia's water compare to other cities?
Columbia ranks #216 out of 309 cities in Louisiana (better than 30% of state cities) and #13686 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.