WaterVerge

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 ↓

3K residents served 2 water systems PWSID: LA1043013
Overall Score
36 / 100
Violations
33 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#303 of 309 in Louisiana Top 99% nationally
Private
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
FGRADE
Water Quality Grade
36/100
waterverge.com
F 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.

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

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.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
36 out of 100 Grade F
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
14/20
C
Lead at 6.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
0/10
F
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Dry Prong, LA water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

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).

33
Active Violations
6.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)

Recent water quality updates for Dry Prong

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

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Dry Prong's water quality assessment. Grade: F (36/100).

Violation
7 drinking water violations recorded

7 health-based. Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

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.

Lead Elevated
Detected: 6.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.

Copper Exceeds Limit
Detected: 1.60 mg/L Limit: 1.3 mg/L (EPA Action Level)

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.

TTRPTOtherMRMONMCL
Most recent violations:
Dec 2025 Groundwater Rule Open
Dec 2025 Groundwater Rule Open
Dec 2025 Groundwater Rule Open
Dec 2025 Groundwater Rule Open
Dec 2025 Groundwater Rule Open

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

Install a water filter

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

Flush your taps

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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
6.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 40% of limit
Safe Level
Copper (90th percentile)
Inorganic
Over Limit
1.60 mg/L
EPA Action Level: 1.3 mg/L · +20% over limit
Exceeds Limit
Compliance Record

Violation summary

47
Total violations
24
Health-based
33
Active / unresolved
Dec 2025
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

47 Total
33 Active
24 Health-based
14 Resolved
Violations by category
Ground Water Rule
15
Public Notice Rule and Revised PN Rule
7
Lead and Copper Rule
7
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
5
Total Coliform Rule
5
Dec 2025 Active
Groundwater Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Dec 2025 Active
Groundwater Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Dec 2025 Active
Groundwater Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Dec 2025 Active
Groundwater Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Dec 2025 Active
Groundwater Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Dec 2025 Active
Groundwater Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Dec 2025 Active
Groundwater Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Nov 2025 Active
Groundwater Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Oct 2024 Active
LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS
Reporting
Reporting 0
Oct 2024 Active
LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Sep 2024 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jul 2024 Active
Groundwater Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Jul 2024 Active
Groundwater Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Jan 2023 Active
Groundwater Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
May 2022 Active
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Mar 2022 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Mar 2020 Active
Groundwater Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Jan 2020 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Dec 2019 Active
Groundwater Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Dec 2019 Active
Groundwater Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Showing 20 of 47 violations
Industrial pollution

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.

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
HUNT FOREST PRODUCTS LLC
Wood Products · HUNT FOREST PRODUCTS LLC
POLLOCK, LA71467
6.8 mi
FEDERAL CORRECTIONAL COMPLEX POLLOCK
Other · US DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
POLLOCK, LA71467
9.8 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D3 — extreme drought

Grant 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)
13.3%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
14
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

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.

🚰
For Lead
Reverse Osmosis or NSF 53-Certified Pitcher
Lead detected at 6.0 ppb
Read our guide →
🔧
For Copper
Reverse Osmosis or KDF Filter
Copper exceeds the EPA action level of 1.3 mg/L

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 6.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Copper (90th percentile) 1.60 1.3 mg/L Inorganic Over Limit
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 18.0 ppb from 1994 (18.0 ppb) to 2023 (0.0 ppb).

Copper level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
Copper has decreased by 0.500 mg/L from 1994 (2.100 mg/L) to 2017 (1.600 mg/L).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Private
Population Served
3,405
Water Systems
2
Water Source

Where Dry Prong's water comes from

Groundwater

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.

Local Hydrology

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.

Big Creek At Pollock
river
Infrastructure

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
Regional Comparison

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.

Dry Prong (this city)
36
Jefferson
85.8
Lafayette
35.1
Shreveport
36.5
Louisiana avg
53
City Profile

About Dry Prong, LA

Economic Profile
$65,781
Median Income
$190,129
Median Home Value
$825/mo
Median Rent
0%
Unemployment
Community
49
Median Age
119
People / sq mi
21.1%
College Educated
89.2%
Homeownership
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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.