Is Dry Prong, 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
Dry Prong, LA — Water Quality Report
Dry Prong's drinking water received a grade of F (36 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,405 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 6.0 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 47 violations on record, including 24 health-based violations. 33 remain unresolved.
What to know about Dry Prong's water
Dry Prong ranks #303 out of 309 cities in Louisiana for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Dry Prong 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
The system has seen 17 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Dry Prong, LA water safe to drink?
Dry Prong'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 3,405 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Dry Prong
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Dry Prong's water quality assessment. Grade: F (36/100).
7 health-based. Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Dry Prong's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Dry Prong's water system has 47 total violations on record, including 24 health-based violations. 33 remain unresolved. 17 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Dry Prong's water come from?
Dry Prong's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 3,405 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Big Creek At Pollock (river).
What Dry Prong residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Dry Prong'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 Dry Prong
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Dry Prong, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
HUNT FOREST PRODUCTS LLC POLLOCK, LA71467 | — | — | 6.8 mi |
FEDERAL CORRECTIONAL COMPLEX POLLOCK POLLOCK, LA71467 | — | — | 9.8 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 Dry Prong'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. | 6.0 | 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. | 1.60 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Dry Prong compares by contaminant
Explore where Dry Prong ranks among all Louisiana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Dry Prong's water comes from
Dry Prong'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 3,405 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Dry Prong
Dry Prong is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Dry Prong
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CENTRAL GRANT WATER SYSTEM | LA1043013 | 2,250 | GW |
| VILLAGE OF DRY PRONG WATER SYSTEM | LA1043003 | 1,155 | GW |
How Dry Prong compares
Full Louisiana rankings →Dry Prong'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 Dry Prong, LA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Dry Prong's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Grant Parish
Frequently asked questions
Is Dry Prong, LA tap water safe to drink?
Dry Prong's water quality earned a grade of F (36/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #303 out of 309 cities tested in Louisiana.
What contaminants are in Dry Prong's water?
Lead was measured at 6.0 ppb (90th percentile). 47 violations are on record.
How is Dry Prong'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 Dry Prong?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Dry Prong's water come from?
Dry Prong's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 3,405 residents.
What health violations has Dry Prong's water system had?
Dry Prong has 24 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 33 violations remain unresolved.
Is Dry Prong's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Dry Prong 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 47 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 Dry Prong's water compare to other cities?
Dry Prong ranks #303 out of 309 cities in Louisiana (better than 2% of state cities) and #15500 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.