WaterVerge

Is Converse, LA Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded D, with 22 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

2K residents served 2 water systems PWSID: LA1085044
Overall Score
47 / 100
Violations
22 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#222 of 309 in Louisiana Top 88% nationally
Private
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
DGRADE
Water Quality Grade
47/100
waterverge.com
D 47/100

Converse, LA — Water Quality Report

Converse's drinking water received a grade of D (47 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,821 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 2.6 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 107 violations on record, including 67 health-based violations. 22 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Converse's water

Converse ranks #222 out of 309 cities in Louisiana for water quality, placing it below average in the state.

Converse 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, Converse may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

The system has seen 33 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
47 out of 100 Grade D
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
0/45
F
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 2.6 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
5/10
D
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Converse, LA water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Converse'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 1,821 residents using groundwater (wells).

22
Active Violations
2.6 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)

Recent water quality updates for Converse

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Converse's water quality assessment. Grade: D (47/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Converse's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 2.6 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Converse's water system has 107 total violations on record, including 67 health-based violations. 22 remain unresolved. 33 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

MCLMROtherTT
Most recent violations:
Oct 2025 TTHM Resolved
Jul 2025 TTHM Resolved
Apr 2025 TTHM Resolved
Jan 2025 TTHM Resolved
Oct 2024 TTHM Resolved

Where does Converse's water come from?

Converse's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,821 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 San Patricio Near Benson (river).

What Converse residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Converse's water.

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
2.6 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 17% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

107
Total violations
67
Health-based
22
Active / unresolved
Oct 2025
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

107 Total
22 Active
67 Health-based
85 Resolved
34 SNC
Violations by category
Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
71
Public Notice Rule and Revised PN Rule
10
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
10
Total Coliform Rule
8
Consumer Confidence Rule
3
May 2023 Active
TTHM
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Mar 2023 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Dec 2022 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Nov 2022 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Sep 2022 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jul 2022 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Dec 2019 Active
Groundwater Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Oct 2017 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jan 2017 Active
TTHM
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Oct 2016 Active
TTHM
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Aug 2016 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jul 2016 Active
TTHM
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jun 2016 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Feb 2015 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Nov 2014 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Oct 2014 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Sep 2014 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jul 2014 Active
TTHM
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Dec 2013 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jul 2010 Active
Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Showing 20 of 107 violations
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Converse

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Converse, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

Total reported releases to surface water: 17 lbs

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
STELLA-JONES CORP
Wood Products · STELLA-JONES US HOLDING CORP
CONVERSE, LA71419
Arsenic And Arsenic Compounds174.5 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D3 — extreme drought

Sabine 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.

14
Weeks at D2+ (current streak)
12.5%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
14
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

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) 2.6 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 1.4 ppb from 2004 (4.0 ppb) to 2025 (2.6 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Private
Population Served
1,821
Water Systems
2
Water Source

Where Converse's water comes from

Groundwater

Converse'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 1,821 people through 2 water systems.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Converse

Converse is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Bayou San Patricio Near Benson
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Converse

System Name PWSID Population Source
UNION SPRINGS WATER SYSTEM LA1085044 1,260 GW
CONVERSE WATER SYSTEM LA1085007 561 GW
Regional Comparison

How Converse compares

Full Louisiana rankings →

Converse's score of 47/100 is below the average of 53/100 among major Louisiana cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.

Converse (this city)
47
Jefferson
85.8
Lafayette
35.1
Shreveport
36.5
Louisiana avg
53
City Profile

About Converse, LA

Economic Profile
$81,250
Median Income
$68,021
Median Home Value
$718/mo
Median Rent
10.6%
Unemployment
Community
32.3
Median Age
79
People / sq mi
12.3%
College Educated
75.3%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Converse, LA tap water safe to drink?

Converse's water quality earned a grade of D (47/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #222 out of 309 cities tested in Louisiana.

What contaminants are in Converse's water?

Lead was measured at 2.6 ppb (90th percentile). 107 violations are on record.

How is Converse'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 Converse?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Converse's water come from?

Converse's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,821 residents.

What health violations has Converse's water system had?

Converse has 67 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. 22 violations remain unresolved.

Is Converse's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Converse 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 107 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 Converse's water compare to other cities?

Converse ranks #222 out of 309 cities in Louisiana (better than 28% of state cities) and #13755 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.