Is Downsville, LA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 48 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
47/100
waterverge.com Downsville, LA — Water Quality Report
Downsville's drinking water received a grade of D (47 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 4,857 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 225 violations on record, including 132 health-based violations. 48 remain unresolved.
What to know about Downsville's water
Downsville ranks #217 out of 309 cities in Louisiana for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Downsville 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 23 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Downsville, LA water safe to drink?
Downsville'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 3 water systems serve approximately 4,857 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Downsville
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Downsville's water quality assessment. Grade: D (47/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
2 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Downsville's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Downsville's water system has 225 total violations on record, including 132 health-based violations. 48 remain unresolved. 23 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Downsville's water come from?
Downsville's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 4,857 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 D'Arbonne At Hwy 151 E Of Dubach (river), Bayou Darbonne Lake At Dam Near Downsville (lake).
What Downsville residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Downsville'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 Downsville
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Downsville, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ECOLOGICAL TANKS INC DOWNSVILLE, LA71234 | — | — | 5.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtUnion 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 Downsville compares by contaminant
Explore where Downsville ranks among all Louisiana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Downsville's water comes from
Downsville'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 4,857 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Downsville
Downsville is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Downsville
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HOLMESVILLE WATER SYSTEM | LA1111008 | 2,406 | GW |
| POINT WILHITE WS | LA1111012 | 2,235 | GW |
| DOWNSVILLE WATER SYSTEM | LA1111004 | 216 | GWP |
How Downsville compares
Full Louisiana rankings →Downsville'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 Downsville, LA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Downsville's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Union Parish
Frequently asked questions
Is Downsville, LA tap water safe to drink?
Downsville's water quality earned a grade of D (47/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #217 out of 309 cities tested in Louisiana.
What contaminants are in Downsville's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 225 violations are on record.
How is Downsville'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 Downsville?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Downsville's water come from?
Downsville's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 4,857 residents.
What health violations has Downsville's water system had?
Downsville has 132 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. 48 violations remain unresolved.
Is Downsville's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Downsville 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 225 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 Downsville's water compare to other cities?
Downsville ranks #217 out of 309 cities in Louisiana (better than 30% of state cities) and #13707 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.