Is Cotton Valley, LA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+, with 34 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
69.6/100
waterverge.com Cotton Valley, LA — Water Quality Report
Cotton Valley's drinking water received a grade of C+ (69.6 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,380 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.0 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 48 violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 34 remain unresolved.
What to know about Cotton Valley's water
Cotton Valley ranks #152 out of 309 cities in Louisiana for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Cotton Valley 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, Cotton Valley may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Cotton Valley, LA water safe to drink?
Cotton Valley's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (69.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,380 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Cotton Valley
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Cotton Valley's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (69.6/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Cotton Valley's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Cotton Valley's water system has 48 total violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 34 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Cotton Valley's water come from?
Cotton Valley's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,380 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Bodcau Bayou Near Sarepta (river).
What Cotton Valley residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Cotton Valley'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Cotton Valley
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Cotton Valley, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 9 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CALUMET COTTON VALLEY REFINING LLC CALUMET COTTON VALLEY COTTON VALLEY, LA71018 | Nickel | 9 | 1.3 mi |
COTTON VALLEY GAS PLANT COTTON VALLEY, LA71018 | — | — | 3.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtWebster 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. | 2.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Cotton Valley compares by contaminant
Explore where Cotton Valley ranks among all Louisiana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Cotton Valley's water comes from
Cotton Valley'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 1,380 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Cotton Valley
Cotton Valley is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Cotton Valley
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| COTTON VALLEY WATER SYSTEM | LA1119004 | 1,380 | GW |
How Cotton Valley compares
Full Louisiana rankings →Cotton Valley's score of 69.6/100 is above the average of 53/100 among major Louisiana cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Louisiana rankings →About Cotton Valley, LA
Wikipedia →Cotton Valley is a town in central Webster Parish, Louisiana, United States. As of the 2020 census, Cotton Valley had a population of 787.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Cotton Valley's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Webster Parish
Frequently asked questions
Is Cotton Valley, LA tap water safe to drink?
Cotton Valley's water quality earned a grade of C+ (69.6/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #152 out of 309 cities tested in Louisiana.
What contaminants are in Cotton Valley's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 48 violations are on record.
How is Cotton Valley'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 Cotton Valley?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Cotton Valley's water come from?
Cotton Valley's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,380 residents.
What health violations has Cotton Valley's water system had?
Cotton Valley has 9 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. 34 violations remain unresolved.
Is Cotton Valley's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Cotton Valley 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 48 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 Cotton Valley's water compare to other cities?
Cotton Valley ranks #152 out of 309 cities in Louisiana (better than 51% of state cities) and #10893 out of 15744 cities nationally (31th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Cotton Valley's small water system affect quality?
Cotton Valley's system serves approximately 1,380 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 48 violations on record.